Asian Twig Mantis (Ambivia undata) Care Guide

Get ready to meet the master of disguise—the Asian Twig Mantis! Scientifically known as Ambivia undata, this slender mantis is a pro at blending in with twigs and branches, thanks to its incredible camouflage skills. Let's explore how to create the perfect environment for your twiggy friend to thrive and show off its natural charm!

Meet the Asian Twig Mantis!

• Scientific Name: Ambivia undata

• Alias: Asian Twig Mantis

• Where They’re From: These mantises hail from the lush forests of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

• Natural Hideouts: You'll find them hanging out in tropical and subtropical forests, perfectly blending in with the twigs and branches around them.

Building the Perfect Twiggy Home

• Enclosure Size: For this medium-sized mantis (about 7 cm as an adult), you’ll want an enclosure that's at least three times its length and twice its width. Think tall and roomy!

• Material: A glass or well-ventilated plastic terrarium is perfect—clear enough for you to see and for them to stay comfy.

• Ground Cover: Keep the base layer natural with coconut fiber, peat moss, or even paper towels. These help retain humidity and keep things looking like a real forest floor.

• Décor Tips:

  • Branches & Plants: Load up on twigs, branches, and plants (real or fake) to give them plenty of climbing opportunities and mimic their natural environment.

  • Hiding Spots: Make sure there are cozy nooks and crannies for your mantis to feel secure.

  • Pro Tip: Keep decorations minimal until they’re fully grown to avoid any molting issues.

Creating a Comfortable Climate

• Temperature:

  • Daytime: Keep it warm and tropical—around 75-85°F (24-29°C).

  • Nighttime: It’s okay to let it cool down a bit, but never below 65°F (18°C).

• Humidity Hacks:

  • Maintain a nice, humid atmosphere between 60-80%. Regular misting is a must, especially when it’s time for molting!

Feeding Time: What’s on the Menu?

• Diet Details:

  • Asian Twig Mantises love a diet of small live insects. Think fruit flies, small locusts, and other tiny arthropods.

  • Make sure the prey is about half the size of the mantis for easy munching.

• Feeding Frequency:

  • Nymphs (young mantises): Feed every other day to keep their energy up.

  • Adults: A hearty meal every 3-5 days works best.

  • Specific Snacks by Growth Stage:

    • Instar 1-3: Drosophila hydei (small fruit flies).

    • Instar 3: Green bottle flies.

    • Instar 5+: Roaches, small locusts, and bluebottle flies.

Staying Hydrated: Water and Misting

• Watering: Your mantis will drink water droplets from leaves and decorations, so regular misting is key.

• Misting Schedule: Lightly mist the enclosure once or twice a day to keep the humidity just right and provide fresh water droplets.

Handling Your Mantis: The Gentle Touch

• Handling Tips: Keep handling to a minimum to avoid stressing them out.

• How to Handle: If you do need to handle your mantis, let it climb onto your hand—don’t try to pick it up directly. Move slowly and gently!

Molting Moments: Growing Up Twiggy

• Molting 101: Molting is a crucial process where your mantis sheds its exoskeleton to grow. It’s a delicate time!

  • Make sure there’s plenty of vertical space in the enclosure for them to hang comfortably during the molt.

  • Your mantis might refuse food a day or two before molting—don’t worry, that’s totally normal!

• Post-Molt Care: After molting, your mantis is vulnerable. Avoid handling for at least 48 hours to let their new exoskeleton harden properly.

Breeding the Twiggy Way

• Gender Differences:

  • Males are generally smaller and slimmer with 8 abdominal segments, while females are larger and more robust with 6 segments.

  • Females reach maturity at instar 8, and males at instar 7. Females are ready for breeding about 4 weeks after their final molt, and males after 3 weeks.

• Mating Tips:

  • Introduce a well-fed female to the male’s enclosure carefully. To keep her distracted, provide a large food item and release some blue bottle flies for her to hunt. This helps prevent her from seeing the male as a snack!

• Egg Care:

  • The female will lay ootheca (egg cases) 3-4 weeks after mating. Keep these in conditions similar to the adults, with a slight boost in humidity for optimal hatching.

  • Expect the ootheca to hatch in about 7-8 weeks, releasing 60-80 nymphs into the world.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Dehydration Woes:

  • Symptoms: Look out for lethargy and a shriveled appearance.

  • Fix: Boost humidity and mist more frequently.

• Molting Troubles:

  • Ensure there’s adequate humidity and vertical space to avoid incomplete molts.

• Avoiding Cannibalism:

  • Keep your mantises well-fed and provide plenty of space, especially during breeding, to reduce the risk of one mantis munching on another!

Life Expectancy

• With good care, these twiggy wonders typically live between 6-12 months.

Conclusion

Caring for an Asian Twig Mantis is an incredibly rewarding adventure! By paying close attention to their specific needs and environment, you can help these mesmerizing mantises thrive and show off their natural behaviors. Follow this guide, and you’re well on your way to becoming a mantis master! Enjoy every moment with your incredible insect companion!