Data sheet Indian giant mantis

German name:
Indian giant mantis

Scientific name:
Hierodula membranacea

Origin:
South-Southwest Asia

Body length:
70mm – 100mm

age expectation:
7-15 months

Behave

Lining:
carnivorous

Behave:
aggressive

Number:
single keeping

Difficulty level:
Beginner H. Zell, Hierodula membranacea – Wilhelma, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Indian giant mantis is one carnivorous mantis and belongs to the family of Mantidae. Their home is in the humid – tropical areas (e.g. rain forest) of Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. There it prefers to live between branches, twigs and leaves of trees and shrubs.

The body length is 70 to 100 mm, with the female being significantly larger. The physique is pronounced and strong. The basic coloring ranges from a light green to a brownish and yellowish hue. The head and wings show predominantly a rich Green. The head is triangular in shape and has two filigree feelers. He is very agile. The eyes are large, green and bulging outwards. The wings cover more than half of the body length. The legs are also very long. They take on a brownish to pink hue as they develop. The two front legs are thorny tentacles.

As diurnal ambush the mantis eats bite-sized insects, but also hairless baby mice. When hunting, she sits on a spot and looks out for the prey with her rotating head. If she finds what she is looking for, she imitates a moving leaf with slow rocking movements. As soon as the prey is within reach, it quickly grabs it with its tentacles and eats it alive, starting at the head.

acquisition and maintenance

Hierodula membranacea is an absolute loner and may only be kept alone. Females and males also live separately. The sexes of different animals only come together to mate.

Due to the dainty size and low demands, the fright is considered extreme easy-care for keeping in the terrarium.

requirements for the terrarium

The species-appropriate terrarium (e.g. caterpillar box or glass terrarium) must measure a minimum size of 20 W x 20 D x 30 H. The larger the tank, the more food animals must be present. If it is a female animal and it gets enough food, it remains loyal to its foster home and can also be kept freely in a room on a plant.

The terrarium should be sufficient Variety offer and provide various climbing possibilities from twigs/branches and plants. The floor should be covered with peat or with a dry, inorganic substrate (e.g. round pebbles).

Since it is a diurnal insect, daylight is sufficient as illumination. The ideal temperatures are between 20 to 28 ° Celsius. The ideal humidity is between 50 to 60%. Avoid waterlogging! It is advisable to place a small bowl full of water near the plants. A thermometer and a hygrometer help to control the temperature and humidity. A heat lamp or a heating mat provides cozy warmth. Good ventilation is also important.

A bright, but not full sun place is suitable as a location for the tank.

gender differences

The two sexes of the Indian giant mantis are at the height to distinguish. At 85 to 100 mm, the female is significantly larger and also fuller than the male. The female’s wings cover the abdomen. While the female is only 6 abdominal segments on the underside, the male has 8 of them. The male is adult after about 7 moults, while the female needs 8 moults.

Feed & Nutrition

The feeding takes place every bright day instead of. A few days before and a few days after one molting the praying mantis fasts and does not accept any food. In order to avoid mismolding, no prey animals should remain in the terrarium during molting.

All kinds of food are used insectsthat are no larger than 1/3 of the Slayer’s body length. These include: aphids, fruit flies, flies, crickets, cockroaches, house crickets, grasshoppers and locusts. Species-appropriate frozen food is also accepted.

The occasional spray of fresh lukewarm water is part of feeding. At the same time, it ensures balanced humidity in the terrarium. The animal must not get wet!

acclimatization and handling

Hierodula membranacea can be cared for without much effort. After molting the remains of the moult must be removed from the terrarium. The same applies to all uneaten food. The personal hygiene the insect carries out independently and alone.

An Indian praying mantis wants not touched become! However, if it has to be removed from the terrarium, this is done very carefully. To do this, stretch out your flat hand in front of the animal and gently push it onto your hand by the back. Now it can be implemented effortlessly.

With proper care, the animal can be 7 – 15 months old.