African mantids are large mantids that color’s depend on their environment. They can be green, brown and tan. The underside is colored with a bright orange color which is used to scare off predators. They are passive and like to be held.
Scientific name: Sphodromantis lineola
Size(M): 2.7 inches(7 cm)
Size(F): 3+ inches(8 cm)
Environment: Savanah habitats, Forests
Habitat: Sub Saharan Africa
Humidity: 50%-60%
Temperature: 70-80°F
Price(USA): $22
Life span(M, captivity): 9-12 months
Life span(F, captivity): 9-12 months
Water: Every 2 days
Feed: Every 2 days(crickets and other similar sized bugs)
Level: Beginner
Fun fact! Females will sometimes go after food way to large for them to actually catch.
Behavior(M): Can be intimated my large food, prefer to not be handled.
Behavior(F): Love to eat large food, prefer to not be handled.
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
- Heater
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)