This mantid is very cautious and can become stressed in a loud environment. It’s body is mostly a green color but it also has a threat display with bright colors that include red, white, blue, purple, and black! These mantids can live in communal cages.
Scientific name: Idolomantis diabolica
Size(M): 4 inches
Size(F): 5 inches
Environment: Foliage
Habitat: Tanzania
Humidity: 60-70%
Temperature: 85-100°F
Price(USA): $40-$200
Life span(M, captivity): About a year
Life span(F, captivity): About a year
Water: Every 2 days
Feed: Every 2 days(Butterflies, large moth, and other large flying insects)
Level: Expert(86-105 degrees are needed during the day while 74+ is needed at night)
Behavior(M): May get stressed by human/pet presence and handling, territorial.
Behavior(F): May get stressed by human/pet presence and handling, territorial.
Need:
- Spray bottle for humidity and water
- A consistent source of bugs for food
- Escape proof container with air holes
- Sticks, leaves, fake plants, or other decorations to climb on
- paper towel or mulch at the bottom of container
- Netting at the top of the enclosure to help with molting
- Heater
Good to have:
- Humidity thermometers/thermometers to know the humidity and temperature so your mantis is healthy
- Some mantises I know enjoy chilling with humans and eating butterflies/moths. Try feeding your mantis a butterfly or moth and see if it likes it! Also try holding the mantis and see if it will explore.
Never:
- Put two mantises together unless the specie are good communally. If you are attempting a breed, then say good bye to your male!
- Feed your mantis carrots or soldier flies!(carrots are poisonous to mantids and soldier flies are usually fed carrots)