Praying Mantis As A Pet

Unlike vertebrates, all insects have a hard outer layer to protect their internal organs. So, whilst mammals, birds and fish have bones covered in flesh (an endoskeleton),insects have an exoskeleton made from a material known as chitin. In common with all insects, the Mantid's body is divided into three main parts - the head, thorax and abdomen. These parts vary in size and shape depending on the species. Sometimes there are very significant differences in appearance between species but, under closer examination, the basic form of the insect remains the same. Some parts of the basic 'mantis model' are taken to extremes. In certain species, as a result of evolution, the result is elaborate leaf or petal-shaped bodies. Other species may have an elongated thorax that bears a close resemblance to a blade of grass or twig. At the other end of the scale, some desert dwelling species mimic small rounded pebbles and therefore have very compressed body segments. All of these adaptations afford the mantis greater protection from predators and, because mantids are not poisonous or venomous, they have to rely heavily on their camouflage in order to survive. Many species even use their camouflage to attract food or enable them to go unnoticed, thus allowing them a greater chance of capturing prey.
Three pairs of legs are attached to the thorax; one pair to each of the three thoracic segments, and a pair of forewings (tegmina) and a pair of flying wings (although not always capable of flight) to the second and third segments.
Attached to the first thoracic segment or prothorax is the head. This is possibly the most characteristic feature of the mantis. It is generally triangular in shape with two large and widely spaced compound eyes. Between these eyes there are often three small, simple eyes (ocelli) in a triangular formation, although they may not always be visible or present. The purpose of these eyes is not to see but to detect light and dark and alter the compound eyes accordingly. A pair of jointed antennae are positioned on the highest point of the head between the eyes. These act as sensors, detecting changes in the environment and receiving chemical messages or pheromones which play an important part in mantis reproduction. The appearance of the antennae varies from species to species and between the sexes, males often possessing larger antennae than females. The mantis is able to rotate its head completely to either side and considerably to the rear whilst also maintaining reasonable up and down movement. This dexterity affords the mantis an excellent field of vision.

The abdomen is softer and more flexible than other parts of the body. It is divided into eleven segments although some are reduced in size and are not clearly visible. The abdomen houses the tracheal system - the series of structures that enable the insect to breath. Air enters the insect's body through a series of small openings (spiracles) and the abdomen expands and contracts, sucking air in and expelling 'used' air from the body. The abdomen also houses the tube-like heart, gut and reproductive organs.

It is important to select a mantis that suits your level of experience. Some species are more tolerant to unfavourable environmental conditions than others and some have quite specific requirements in captivity that need to be satisfied in order to succeed.
Due to the number of species available to the would-be enthusiast, it is impossible to describe anything other than a mere handful of species within the confines of this guide. There will always remain an element of trial and error when keeping mantids and it will be difficult to source detailed information on the species you are about to purchase. Perhaps this is one of the attractions of mantis husbandry - there is a genuine opportunity for an individual to discover something new or to perfect methods of maintenance and breeding.

The most commonly encountered mantis in captivity at present is the African Mantis. Several species belonging to the genus Sphodromantis, notably S. lineola, S. centralis and S. viridis are seen in the trade. However, identifying them to species level represents a bit of a challenge.

All these species conform to the standard mantis model and could be described as being typical in terms of shape, size and colour. The colouration of Sphodromantis lineola ranges from pale beige, in some individuals, through to brown or a particularly striking shade of blue green in others. Although the reason for this range of colours is likely to be genetic, as a result of geographical distribution there is some evidence to suggest that colouration may be influenced by the humidity at which the egg case or ootheca is incubated. A higher level of humidity produces a larger proportion of green hatchlings and, conversely, dry conditions produce a paler beige or brown nymph. This explanation has not, as yet, been conclusively proven.
Sphodromantis lineola reaches an adult size of approximately 8cm, the female being of slightly bulkier build than the male. Both sexes are winged and capable of flight.
Any members of the genus Sphodromantis represent a good first time purchase. They are particularly resilient to a wide range of environmental conditions and rarely suffer from complications during ecdysis (moulting), which can cause problems in other species. Originating from semi-arid scrubland areas they should be maintained in a dry terrarium with a relative humidity in the region of 60% and at a temperature of 75°F; a few degrees either side of this will not be detrimental to the individual.
Being hardy and prolific, they are also relatively inexpensive to purchase. If one sets out to breed this species the likelihood of rearing a large number of hatchlings to maturity is good because of the considerable size of the ootheca - several hundred hatchling nymphs may emerge from one egg case.

African Flower Praying Mantis (Creobroter sp. and Pseudocreobroter sp.)

Small, attractively marked members of these genera are being bred with increasing regularity. With a number of species sharing very similar colouration, size and habits, accurate identification is complicated. For this reason it would be wise to purchase several individuals from the same batch if breeding is to be attempted as matching up different males and females at a later date may prove difficult.
Pseudocreobroter wahlbergi is a flower mimicking species from Africa belonging to the family Hymenopodidae. These pretty little Mantids are able to change colour to a certain degree to match their surroundings, although the process is not instantaneous and may take several days. In the wild they can be observed sitting on the apex of low-lying flowering plants or even on naked stems where they could easily be mistaken for a bloom by pollinating insects. Though not great in stature, these bold Mantids will tackle surprisingly large prey and their agility enables them to capture fast moving and even flying insects.
As previously mentioned, a large number of species over a wide distribution share very similar characteristics. Theoprobus elegans, the Orange Winged or Banded Flower Praying Mantis from South East Asia, at first sight bears a striking resemblance to a number of the African Creobroter species. As its name suggests, it conceals a pair of particularly attractive tangerine coloured wings under its emerald green wing cases with cream eye spots. Members of the S. American genus Acontista also share this often confusing likeness.
Creobroter meleagris, for which there is no common name other than 'African Flower Praying Mantis', is one of several similar looking species of the genus Creobroter that share the same habitat requirements and are commonly available to the enthusiast. As is typical with most Praying Mantis species, the males are substantially more slender and the wings extend right over the abdomen whereas, in a well fed or gravid (pregnant) female, the abdomen is visible either side of the wings. Both species have small leafy projections on the legs, although the degree of specialisation falls a long way short of that of the Orchid Praying Mantis.
As a guide, most of these species can be kept in a similar fashion; in moderate humidity (70%) and at a temperature in the region of 75°F. It would be prudent to quiz the breeder or importer for more information concerning the exact requirements of the species in question.

Dead-Leaf Praying Mantis (Deroplatys sp. and Phyllocrania sp.)

Many species of dead-leaf Mantids are found in the tropics. As their name suggests, they are often camouflaged as crumpled leaves and spend their time secreted among the foliage of trees and shrubs. This makes them very difficult to spot; even in a terrarium their resemblance to decaying leaves enables them to pass unnoticed to the untrained eye.
The Malaysian Dead-Leaf Praying Mantis is readily available to the enthusiast from specialist suppliers and breeders.
Originating from Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia, Deroplatys truncata, Iobata and dessicata are a mottled brown colour ranging from a pale orangey brown in some individuals right through to almost black, the majority of specimens encountered falling somewhere in between. All of these species exhibit considerable modification of the prothorax to a greater or lesser degree, so much so that in D. dessicata it has become paper thin, allowing light to shine through. A characteristic of these species is to hang upside down in clusters of leaves, rocking gently when disturbed as if they have been caught in a breeze. If the threat is greater they will hurl themselves off their perch and, holding their legs tightly to their body, they will fall to the forest floor where they will lie motionless, blending in perfectly with fallen leaves and thus avoiding detection. Another defensive ploy is to stand upright, extending the first pair of legs to either side and flashing their wings and the underside of their wing cases, which exhibit striking eye spots. This defence mechanism is also used by many other types of Praying Mantis.
Females are substantially larger and heavier than males which often look as if they should belong to another species. Such sexual dimorphism is a common characteristic of these Mantids.
A species from Madagascar which is being bred with increasing regularity is Phyllocrania paradoxa. This is another remarkable leaf-mimic which, in the nymph form, resembles crumpled fern in various shades of gold, green, brown and black. With leafy projections covering the abdomen, legs and a large projection on the head the Madagascan Leaf Praying Mantis is a real gem.
Although fragile in appearance, Dead-Leaf Mantids are surprisingly hardy subjects in captivity. The only real problem one is likely to encounter is during ecdysis when a previously healthy individual has difficulty in discarding its old skin, becoming tangled or trapped and emerging as a twisted cripple. This is one of the most upsetting aspects of Praying Mantis husbandry and is nearly always a result of unfavourable conditions - either incorrect humidity or the absence of a suitable perch from which to hang.
The two genera described have similar requirements: moderate humidity 70-80% and a temperature between 75-80°F The terrarium can be decorated with artificial or real plants and a floor covering of peat or vermiculite will help maintain the desired level of humidity. Regular spraying is also important.

Mantids are typically a 'sit-and-wait' predator although some species do actively search for prey. As a result of this behaviour, meals are likely to be fairly infrequent. This is not usually a problem for the Praying Mantis because the very nature of its predatory strategy requires very little energy expenditure.
In captivity Mantids need only be fed once or twice each week; young nymphs and gravid females require more regular meals and a large gravid female will consume crickets on a daily basis. Hatchling nymphs can be reared on micro-house crickets or fruitflies (the wingless variety are easier to handle) and, as the nymph grows, it can be tempted with correspondingly larger prey items.

House crickets, silent crickets and hopper locusts are all suitable foods and can be purchased from most pet shops or are available mail-order. The Praying Mantis should be offered one or two items at a time (depending on the size of the item) and all uneaten foodstuffs should be removed. This prevents soiling of the terrarium and also avoids the risk of the prey item attacking the predator; for this reason black field crickets and adult locusts are not recommended as food. To facilitate the ease of handling, just before use the crickets can be placed in a sealed bag in the refrigerator; this will make them lethargic and thus easier to control.
The easiest and least time consuming method of feeding hatchling Mantids is to place a complete culture of fruitflies in the terrarium. A hole can be cut into the lid of the culture container to regulate the release of the flies and the nymphs will feed whenever they are hungry. The provision of a constant supply of food enables the hatchling Mantids to be reared en masse. This is the only practical way of rearing a large quantity of nymphs.