Giant Boxer Mantis (Astyliasula major) Care Guide

Welcome to the world of the Giant Boxer Mantis! With its bold looks and relatively simple care requirements, this mantis is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bug enthusiasts. Scientifically known as Astyliasula major, this mantis is a little wonder from Southeast Asia, ready to charm you with its unique stance and personality. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your Giant Boxer Mantis happy and healthy!

Get to Know Your Mantis

• Scientific Name: Astyliasula major

• Nickname: Giant Boxer Mantis

• Home Turf: Natively found in the lush, dense vegetation of Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.

• Natural Hangouts: They love tropical and subtropical regions, often blending in with dense foliage in forests.

Setting Up the Perfect Enclosure

• Enclosure Size: Since these mantises are relatively small (around 3-4 cm), a cozy 10 x 15 cm terrarium is just right for an adult. Remember: the enclosure should be at least three times their length and twice their width to provide enough space.

• Materials: Opt for a glass or plastic terrarium with good ventilation to keep air circulating.

• Substrate Choices: Use coconut fiber, peat moss, or even paper towels to help retain moisture and maintain humidity levels.

• Décor Tips:

  • Climbing Structures: Fill the space with twigs, branches, and plants (live or fake) for climbing and hiding.

  • Hiding Spots: Foliage adds to the natural feel and provides essential hiding places.

  • Pro Tip: To ensure a smooth molting process, keep decorations minimal until they reach adulthood.

Creating the Ideal Environment

• Temperature Control:

  • Daytime: Keep the terrarium warm at 75-85°F (24-29°C).

  • Nighttime: A slight drop is okay, but make sure it stays above 65°F (18°C) to keep your mantis comfy.

• Humidity Hacks:

  • Keep humidity between 60-80%. A light misting every day should help maintain the right moisture levels, especially when it’s time to molt!

What’s for Dinner? Feeding Your Mantis

• Diet Details:

  • These mantises enjoy a diet of live insects. Think fruit flies for the little ones (nymphs), small locusts, and moths for the bigger guys.

  • Keep prey size appropriate—about half the length of the mantis’s body.

• Feeding Schedule:

  • Nymphs (Juveniles): Feed every other day to keep them growing strong.

  • Adults: A meal every 3-5 days will suffice.

  • Feeding by Growth Stage:

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

    • Instar 3-5: Drosophila hydei (larger fruit flies).

    • Instar 5+: House flies and greenbottle flies.

Keeping Them Hydrated

• Watering Tips: Your mantis drinks water droplets from leaves and decorations, so mist the enclosure lightly to provide these droplets and maintain humidity.

Handling Your Mantis: The Gentle Way

• Handling Frequency: Less is more—only handle your mantis when necessary to minimize stress.

• How to Handle: Use a gentle touch. Let your mantis climb onto your hand or a soft brush, avoiding any sudden movements.

Molting: A Critical Growth Stage

• Molting Overview: As mantises grow, they shed their exoskeleton multiple times. Make sure there’s enough vertical space for them to hang comfortably during this process.

  • They may refuse food a day or two before molting—don’t be alarmed; it’s just part of the process.

• After Molting Care: Post-molt, avoid handling them immediately. They need up to 48 hours for their new exoskeleton to harden completely.

Breeding: Matchmaking Mantis Style

• Gender Differences:

  • Males are usually smaller, more slender, and have longer antennae. Females are larger and more robust.

  • Females become adults at instar 8, and males at instar 7.

  • They’re ready to mate 2-3 weeks after their final molt. Male mantises don’t live long post-maturity, so it’s best to pair them for breeding around two weeks after molting.

• Mating Tips:

  • Carefully introduce a well-fed female into the male’s enclosure. Place her directly in front of him and offer her a substantial snack to distract her. Add a few green bottle flies for her to hunt to keep her busy and reduce the risk of cannibalism.

  • Keep a close eye on them and ensure there’s plenty of space and hiding spots.

• Egg Care:

  • Females will lay ootheca (egg cases) 1-3 weeks after mating. Keep these under similar conditions to the adults, but slightly increase the humidity to aid in healthy egg development.

  • The ootheca typically hatches in 4-6 weeks, releasing about 20-40 nymphs.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Dehydration:

  • Signs: Lethargy, shriveled appearance.

  • Solution: Increase humidity and mist more often.

• Molting Issues:

  • Ensure there’s enough humidity and vertical space to prevent incomplete molts.

• Cannibalism Concerns:

  • Reduce the risk of cannibalism by providing ample food and space, especially during breeding times.

Lifespan

• These mantises typically live between 6 months to 1 year, depending on how well they’re cared for.

Conclusion

Taking care of a Giant Boxer Mantis (Astyliasula major) is a rewarding journey filled with discovery and excitement. With a bit of attention to their specific needs, you’ll be able to provide a perfect home where your mantis can thrive. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned insect enthusiast, following this guide will ensure your mantis stays happy, healthy, and ready to show off its unique behaviors. Enjoy every moment with your fantastic insect friend!