Giant Shield mantids include many different species. I am focusing on Rhombodera basalis, though. This specie of Giant Shield mantids have mainly green-blue colorations but can have some brighter colors scattered around different parts of the body.
Scientific name: Rhombodera basalis
Size(M): 2-3 inches
Size(F): 3-4 inches
Environment: Trees and bushes
Habitat: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Borneo
Humidity: 50-60% at day and 60-70% at night
Temperature: 70-95°F
Price(USA): $15-$35
Life span(M, captivity): 1-1.5 years
Life span(F, captivity): 1-2 years
Water: Every 2 days
Feed: Every 2 days(crickets and other similar sized bugs)
Level: Beginner-intermediate(Humidity change at night might be challenging)
Fun fact! While most mantids live for 1 year female R. Basalis can live for 2 years and males live for 1.5 years.
Behavior(M): Harder to handle than females(more feisty, not exactly aggressive to humans though), aggressive to insects.
Behavior(F): Friendly to humans, aggressive to insects.
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)