The
Blepharopsis Mendica is becoming ever more popular
in captivity, and with its beautiful looks, and ferocious
nature, it is understandable. Why this species is
known as the Devils Flower Mantis is unknown...the
true Devils Flower Mantis is the Idolomantis Diabolica.
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This species
originates from all over Asia and Africa, in
countries such as Egypt, Algeria, Ethiopia,
India, Israel, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia,
Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, and Cyprus. Females
rarely exceed lengths of 6cm, males a few millimetres
shorter. The wings cover the whole abdomen in
both sexes. Sex determination is the usual,
8 segments for the male, and 6 or 7 for the
female. Another sexual dimorphism is the difference
on appearance of the antennae. The males have
more feathery, split antennae, and the females
long, thin and straight.
As adult, if
kept humid, the Blepharopsis will moult into
a beautiful lime green specimen, with white
dotted wings. They can also take a green form
as nymphs; however, it is more common that before
adult, they are a light brown, or beige colour.
The abdomen
is covered in small, rubbery spines. This helps
to camouflage the body within dry bushes or
reeds. Nymphs spend most of their lives with
their abdomens curled up to their body. It is
only as adult that they uncurl, and die to the
formation of wings, are then unable to re curl.
When gently blown, they will slowly rock from
side to side. This is typical behaviour or most
cryptic species. This swaying is mimicking a
dried leaf or branch swaying in the wind. In
a swaying bush, this behaviour could make the
mantis go completely un noticed.
The Blepharopsis
Mendica is an Empusid. There are a few different
members of the Empusid family, including Idolomantis
Diabolica and Empusa Sp. These can all be housed
communally in theory, however, the if not given
a constant food source, then this rule is broken.
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In their natural habitat, the Blepharopsis
live in dry, arid conditions; It is best to
stimulate this as best as possible in captivity.
They are tolerant to moderate temperature
and humidity fluctuations, however, it is
best to keep these at a steady constant. Temperatures
ranging from around 24 to 30c are best to
keep them at.
When young, it is recommended
to spray them once a week, as shedding of
skins will be a fairly common occurrence,
and when moist, the skins will be softer,
and easier for the mantid to remove. However,
as the specimen grows, it is best to avoid
spraying regularly. Only when there are signs
of the mantis shedding, should they be moistened.
Constant spraying, or over humidifying of
this species can lead to fungal or bacterial
infections. Whole cultures can be lost, if
the humidity is too high
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As with most empusids, the Blepharopsis is not
very active. They do not require large enclosures.
The only reason that they would need a large
space is for shedding purposes. The height of
the enclosure must be at least 3 times the length
of the mantis.
Dried branches
and leaves can also be provided, to add to the
mantis disguise. Not only will this look attractive,
but will also make the enclosure more natural
for the mantis.
This species
can eat a lot! So it should be fed regularly,
if not daily. A staple diet of live food items
such as crickets, locusts, meal worms, Mario
worms, wax worms, earth worms and any other
live food that is readily available, will grown
a healthy specimen. If fed a lot, the Blepharopsis
can be housed communally. However, if you are
in possession of only a few, then it is not
worth the risk. There is always a possibility
of cannibalism, no matter what species, and
no matter how much food is provided.
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The Blepharopsis is another
very easy species to keep. If kept at high temperatures,
and low humidity, one will encounter few problems
rearing to adult. With a big appetite, feeding
is no problem; the only problem may come when
food sources are out! A great species for the
beginner.
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