The Spiny Flower Praying Mantis is an attractive Mantis, similar species to Indian Flower Mantids.
This is a very attractive looking Mantis, similar species to the 'Indian Flower' (Creoboter meleagris). When young Nymphs they are a dark black colour and look very Alien like. As they become older, the blackness fades and turns into a white with green and pink speckles. When Adult, the wings have a giant spiral eyespot in the center which is brightly colour - this is to warn of other predators or Mantids. When threatened, yellow from their un-opened wings show. They are a small species growing to aprox. 40 mm in length.
They are native to Africa, East to South. Keep these above room temperature at 25-32C (77-89.6F) - extra heat may be needed, mainly over winter. Ideally you should spray this Mantis every evening with a fine water mister. If this is not possible, spray at least every 2-3 days to keep the humidity at aprox. 60%. In the wild they hide in between the flowers waiting for insects to past them, they don't like running around for their food!
Quite easy to keep!!! While young Nymphs they tend to be very hardy. As they grow older, plenty of ventilation must be provided, as this could be fatal to the mantis!!!
An ideal set -up should consist of greenery and lots of flowers. Due to them living on or around flowers, try to provide them with the correct kind of food - pollinating insect are best. Feed them on Butterflies, moths, hoverflies, wasps and anything else that hides in between the petals. You can feed them on crickets, locusts and wax worms over the winter months.
Only keep these together if you have ample food and space for large sized Nymphs. We have kept these together for quite a long time - but have never kept adults together.
