A large species of mantis with a marbled effect all over its body and wings.
| Origin | Madagascar, East Africa |
|---|---|
| Environment | Bushes, Trees, Sparse Vegetation |
| Suitability | Beginner |
| Adult Size | Up to 9cm |
| Lifespan | Approx 1 year |
| Food Type | Crickets, Locusts, Fruit flies, Curly-wing flies |
This species is quite large with the males being more slender than the females. Males measure approx. 80mm where as the females are larger measuring more closely to 90mm. They have a brown marbled affect all over the body and wings, when adult.
Black eye spots can be seen on the inside of their front arms also a tint of purple towards the top. When the light hits their eyes, they seem to be a pink/purple colour.
They can be found throughout several African countries and the island of Madagascar. The temperature should be in the range of 22C, slightly above room temperature should be fine. Humidity should be of 60% while young Nymphs, spray every day slightly with a fine water mister - this helps to provents any shedding problems while young. Once past the 3rd - 4th shed this can be done a few times a week.
Yes! Make sure the set up for this species has plenty of floor space. We found that the adult female spent quite a lot of time near the floor instead of in the plants provided - so they could benefit with some wood chippings covering the bottom of the container. Still provide the Mantis with some false plants as they mainly live in shrubs and tree in the wild!
If you have an Ootheca hatch, only keep these together upto their 3rd shed, then seperate into containers. We feel these would eat each other if left any longer. The females are aggressive while mating - we have had many males lost!
