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One
of the most well loved mantids, a species known by everyone.
The Orchid Mantis is wanted by everyone, and lives up to their
name with their wonderful ability to mimic an orchid.
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As described by their name, the Orchid Mantis look like…and
orchid. With white/pink projections over their legs,
neck, and abdomen, they can make a fantastic camouflage
when placed on an orchid. Males are distinctively smaller
than females, and will not appear to grow through sheds
of the skin. As adult, both species possess fully grown
wings, and the male can fly very well. Females can reach
up to 6cm, wild caught specimens usually being slightly
longer. Males will reach a maximum of 3cm, and are mostly
under half the length of the female! This is the easiest
way of determining sex, but can also be done by using
the usual method, 8 segments for the male, and 6 or
7 for the female.
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I f pairs are being grown on to breed, then it is
essential to change the growth rates of each species.
Males must be slowed down, as naturally, they grow
a lot faster than females. To do this, you must keep
at cooler temperatures, and feed less than females.
Around 15-18c will be the best for males, which will
keep their growth rate very slow, but give them enough
heat to metabolise. Females can be kept from 30-55c,
and this will be the maximum temperature to increase
growth rate. Humidity is essential, as the Hymenopus
comes from Malaysia, a naturally humid country. This
can be done by simply spraying the enclosure once
a day. Substrate, like soil, peat, coconut fibre or
kitchen towel can be used to keep humidity levels
high. This will also help overcome any problems with
shedding.
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A very small enclosure will be needed for small nymphs,
as they are a very inactive species. The only limit
you will need to bear in mind is that there must be
ample height for the mantis to successfully moult. .
There must be a suitable surface for the mantis to grip
on to, such as a mesh or net lid. They are a sit and
wait species, and will not hunt around for food, so
the smaller the enclosure, the better. Their diet must
be a flying insect based one, like it would be in their
natural habitat. Flies, wasps, bees, moths, and any
other flying insect found outside will be much appreciated,
and will be naturally gut-loaded. By offering a varied
diet, you will notice that each specimen will be much
larger, and will produce a much larger, more fertile
ootheca. Do be careful when offering prey, making sure
that it will not be to large for the mantis to catch,
or consume. There have been many accounts of live food
eating the mantis, so any food which has not been consumed
within a day or so, should be removed.
Ootheca can hatch up to 90 or so nymphs, which will
be black and red when they emerge. These colours will
fade after the mantis has shed. Nymphs must be sprayed
daily.
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The Orchid Mantis is one of the most favoured species
by any breeder, and a lovely one for the collection,
if you are able to provide the right conditions. It
is a shame that it is so rare, expensive, and hard to
get hold of, although with continuous breeding, hopefully
the popularity of this wonderful species will increase.
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