Difficulty: Intermediate
Size: males up to 2.75” (7cm); females up to 3” (8cm)
Lifespan: males less than 1 year; females around 1 year
Recommended enclosure size by instar:
– 1i-3i: 5.5oz deli cup (3×3″/8×8cm)
– 4i-6i: 16/32oz deli cup (4×4in/10×10cm)
– 7i-adult: Around 8×8×8″ (20×20×20cm) enclosure minimum
Humidity: 50-60%, misting every other day or so for hydration
Temperature: 77-83°F (25-28°C)
Feeding: Flying insects are preferred at every instar, but other feeders like roaches and crickets can be used if they’re accepted
– 1i-2i: D. melanogaster or D. hydei fruit flies
– 3i-5i: D. hydei fruit flies, house flies, small crickets, small roaches
– 6i-adult: blue bottle flies, wax worms/moths, medium crickets, medium roaches, mealworms (as treats only)
Breeding:
Wait about 3 weeks after the final molt for females and 2 weeks for males. It’s best to wait until the female starts calling.
Breeding is best done in a large net cage with high temperatures (85-95°F/30-35°C), with multiple males to a female.
Females typically lay 4-8 ooths, which hatch in approximately 4-6 weeks. Incubate ooths in the same conditions as adults. They hatch on average 50 nymphs each.
Notes: This species may be very sensitive to inbreeding and will often refuse to breed after a few generations of inbreeding.
Other Resources:
Mantids & More – Lexicon – Pseudovates chlorophaea (formerly Phyllovates chlorophaea)
Mantis Universe – Texas Unicorn Mantis