The
Sybilla Pretiosa, one of the most amazing mantids in captivity,
with its strange looks and strange behaviour. A must for the
advanced hobbyist.
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The Sybilla Pretiosa, one of the most cryptic looks
mantis species in captivity. Similar to the Gongylus
Gongyloides, the Sybilla has many leafy projections
on its legs and abdomen, and a camouflaged, twisted
body. Females have a bright green wing case, which overlaps
the end of the abdomen. There is a small crest behind
the head, in a diamond like shape, creating even more
of a disguise. Like a Phylocrania Paradoxa, the Sybilla
possess a large projection on the top of the head. They
are only usually found in brown colours on the body,
as green colours on the wings. Few variations have been
seen. Females are around 5-6 cm long, with the males
around 1cm shorter in length. Sex determination is the
usual, 8 segments for the male, and 6 or 7 for the female.
Antennae are very similar, so this may be an inaccurate
way of sex determination. However, the male does possess
slightly longer antennae, but this length difference
will only be visible from L5 upwards.
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Not such a good species for the beginner, the Sybilla
needs to be kept in a warmed enclosure. Temperatures
from around 25-20c are required, as this is one of
the more tropical species in captivity. Humidity as
nymphs is essential, to overcome shedding problems.
As hatchling, spraying is needed every day. This will
not only soften skins, but will provide a source of
water to drink. As the nymphs develop, spraying can
become gradually more infrequent. As adult, spraying
only once or twice a week will be needed.
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Large enclosures are not needed as such, as the Sybilla
is a fairly immobile species. With lengths rarely exceeding
6cm, a large enclosure can really prove a waste of space.
Enough room will be needed to allow the mantis to successfully
shed its skin. Furniture will be needed for the enclosure,
as this is a fairly timid species, that does like to
hide. Not only do branches, twigs and leaves provide
a hiding space, but also something to grip on to.
Feeding is not usually
a problem. Starting from hatchling, the Sybilla will
readily take to food. Nymphs will consume fruit flies
the day of hatching, however, this is not recommended.
As with most species, the nymphs should be left 2-3
days after hatching, until introducing food. In these
first days, daily spraying is essential. When the nymphs
grow, food sizes will need to be increased. Flying prey
is most appreciated. Food types such as flies, bees,
wasps and wasps are all good to feed, and will provide
the mantis wit a varied nutritional diet.
A well fed female will
produce ootheca every 2 weeks. These ootheca may vary
in size, however they will rarely exceed hatches of
more than 50 nymphs. Nymphs will live communally until
L4/5, where cannibalism will start to take place. Nymphs
will need to be separated into their own, furnished
enclosures.
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The Sybilla Pretiosa is one of the strangest looking
species in captivity, and along with this comes fascination.
Bizarre behaviour and great camouflage makes it a unique
species for the collection, and would be a reward to
successfully breed.
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