Chinese mantids are green and brown mantids who are very social. Males have wings that can fly short distances while females do not. This wing rule can be applied to almost every mantis, Chinese and any other.
Scientific name: Tenodera sinensis
Size(M): 4-5 inches(often smaller than females)
Size(F): 5 inches
Environment: Grasslands, pastures, agricultural lands
Habitat: USA, Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Micronesia
Native Habitat: Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Micronesia
Humidity: 50-60%
Price(USA): $12-$25
Life span(M, captivity): 6-12 months
Life span(F, captivity): 6-12 months
Water: Every 2 days
Feed: Every day (Cricket, large moth, and other large insects( but if your mantis is young I would recommend fruit flies, mosquitoes, and small moths ))
Level: Beginner
Fun fact! Chinese mantises have been seen eating little lizards, humming birds, and giant hornets!
Behavior(M): Some may enjoy being handled, calm
Behavior(F): Some may enjoy being handled, calm
Need:
- Spray bottle for humidity and water
- A consistent source of bugs for food
- Escape proof container with air holes
- Sticks, leaves, fake plants, or other decorations to climb on
- paper towel or mulch at the bottom of container
- Netting at the top of the enclosure to help with molting
Good to have:
- Humidity thermometers/thermometers to know the humidity and temperature so your mantis is healthy
- Some mantises I know enjoy chilling with humans and eating butterflies/moths. Try feeding your mantis a butterfly or moth and see if it likes it! Also try holding the mantis and see if it will explore.
Never:
- Put two mantises together unless the specie are good communally. If you are attempting a breed, then say good bye to your male!
- Feed your mantis carrots or soldier flies!(carrots are poisonous to mantids and soldier flies are usually fed carrots)