Mary Allen
The Indian giant mantis is a carnivorous mantis and belongs to the Mantidae family. Their home is in the humid – tropical areas (e.g. rainforest) 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 are 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 a diurnal lurker, 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 range, it quickly grabs it with its tentacles and eats it alive, starting at the head.
Acquisition and Maintenance
Hierodule 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 its small size and low demands, the scarlet is considered to be extremely easy to care for in a 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 free in a room on a plant.
The terrarium should offer enough variety and provide different climbing opportunities from twigs/branches and plants. The soil 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 and 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 can be distinguished by their body size. 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 has only 6 abdominal segments on the underside, the male has 8 of them. The male is an adult after about 7 molts, while the female needs 8 molts.
Feed & Nutrition
Feeding takes place every bright day. A few days before and a few days after molting, the praying mantis fasts and does not accept any food. In order to avoid misfolding, no prey animals should remain in the terrarium during molting.
All types of insects that are no larger than 1/3 the length of the slayer’s body serve as food. 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
Hierodule membranacea can be cared for without much effort. After molting, the remains of the molt are to be removed from the terrarium. The same applies to all uneaten food. The insect takes care of its body care independently and alone.
An Indian praying mantis does not want to be touched! If it still has to be taken out of 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.