Wide Arm Mantis (Cilnia humeralis) Care Guide

Meet the Wide Arm Mantis! Known scientifically as Cilnia humeralis, this unique mantis species is famous for its broad arms and captivating behaviors. With their distinctive appearance and fascinating movements, these mantises are a delight for both novice and experienced keepers. Here’s everything you need to know to create a thriving environment for your new insect friend!

Introducing the Wide Arm Mantis

• Scientific Name: Cilnia humeralis

• Common Name: Wide Arm Mantis

• Native Range: Found across various parts of Africa, where they blend in perfectly with the diverse landscapes.

• Natural Habitats: These mantises are versatile, thriving in grasslands and forests where they camouflage seamlessly among leaves and branches.

Setting Up the Perfect Home for Your Mantis

• Enclosure Size: As a medium-sized mantis (about 7 cm in length), your Wide Arm Mantis will need a terrarium that’s at least three times its length and twice its width. Think vertical space!

• Material: Glass or well-ventilated plastic terrariums are ideal to ensure good air circulation and visibility.

• Substrate: Use coconut fiber, peat moss, or paper towels to retain moisture and maintain a naturalistic look.

• Decor Tips:

  • Climbing Structures: Include plenty of twigs, branches, and plants (live or artificial) to provide climbing options and mimic their natural habitat.

  • Hiding Spots: Make sure there are enough places for your mantis to hide and feel secure.

  • Pro Tip: Keep decorations minimal until they are fully grown to facilitate an easy molting process.

Creating the Ideal Environment

• Temperature Control:

  • Daytime: Maintain a warm environment with temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C).

  • Nighttime: A slight drop is fine, but keep it above 65°F (18°C) to ensure comfort.

• Humidity Levels:

  • Aim for a humidity range of 60-70%. Regular misting is essential, especially during molting periods, to maintain the right levels.

Feeding Your Mantis: A Bug’s Feast

• Diet Details:

  • These mantises enjoy a diet of small live insects, such as fruit flies, small locusts, and other small arthropods.

  • The prey size should be appropriate for the mantis's size, generally around half the length of its body.

• Feeding Frequency:

  • Nymphs (Juveniles): Feed every other day to support their rapid growth.

  • Adults: A meal every 3-5 days is sufficient.

  • Specific Prey by Instar Stage:

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

    • Instar 4: Green bottle flies.

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

Watering and Hydration

• Hydration Needs: Regular misting is essential to provide water droplets on leaves and decorations, which the mantis can drink.

• Misting Routine: Lightly mist the enclosure once or twice a day to maintain humidity and provide a consistent water source.

Handling Your Mantis: Gentle and Minimal

• Handling Tips: Handle your mantis as little as possible to avoid stress.

• How to Handle: If handling is necessary, let the mantis climb onto your hand gently—never pick it up directly.

Molting: The Big Transformation

• Molting Overview: Molting is a critical process where the mantis sheds its old exoskeleton to grow. It’s a delicate time!

  • Ensure there is enough vertical space in the enclosure for them to hang comfortably during the molt.

  • Your mantis may stop eating a day or two before molting—this is normal behavior.

• Post-Molt Care: After molting, avoid handling them until their new exoskeleton has fully hardened, which can take up to 48 hours.

Breeding the Wide Arm Mantis

• Gender Differences:

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

  • Females reach adulthood at instar 9, and males at instar 8.

  • Females are sexually mature about 4 weeks after their final molt, and males after 3 weeks. For this species, it’s best to wait until the female is 6-8 weeks mature due to their aggressive nature.

• Mating Tips:

  • To mate, place the male directly onto the female while she is preoccupied with a large food item. This helps reduce the risk of her eating him!

  • Keep a close watch and ensure there’s ample space and hiding spots to minimize cannibalism risks.

• Egg Care:

  • Females will lay ootheca (egg cases) 2-3 weeks after mating. Keep these in similar conditions to the adults but slightly increase the humidity to promote healthy egg development.

  • The ootheca typically hatch within 6-8 weeks, releasing about 100-200 nymphs.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Dehydration:

  • Signs: Look for lethargy or a shriveled appearance.

  • Solution: Increase humidity and mist more frequently.

• Molting Issues:

  • Ensure adequate humidity and vertical space to avoid molting complications.

• Preventing Cannibalism:

  • Reduce cannibalism risks by providing plenty of food and space, especially during mating.

Lifespan

• With proper care, these mantises typically live between 6 to 12 months.

Conclusion

Caring for a Wide Arm Mantis (Cilnia humeralis) is a fascinating and rewarding experience. With attention to their specific needs and a well-maintained environment, these incredible insects will thrive, displaying their unique behaviors and characteristics. Follow this guide, and you’ll ensure your mantis enjoys a healthy and vibrant life. Enjoy every moment with your wide-armed wonder!