Vietnam Flower Mantis (Creobroter apicalis) Complete Care Guide
Introduction
The Vietnam Flower Mantis, scientifically known as Creobroter apicalis, is a stunning mantis species recognized for its vibrant colors and flower-like appearance. This care guide will provide all the essential information to ensure your Vietnam Flower Mantis thrives in captivity.
Natural Habitat
Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam.
Environment: Typically found in tropical and subtropical forests, where they blend in with flowers and foliage.
Housing
Enclosure:
Size: For a medium species, approximately 5 cm in length as an adult, the enclosure must have dimensions that are at least three times the mantis's length and twice its width.
Material: A glass or well-ventilated plastic terrarium is ideal.
Substrate: Use a mixture of coconut fiber, peat moss, or paper towels to help retain humidity and provide a naturalistic look.
Decor:
Climbing Structures: Include plenty of twigs, branches, and live or artificial plants for climbing and hiding.
Hiding Spots: Ensure there are sufficient hiding places to mimic their natural habitat and provide a sense of security.
To facilitate an unobstructed molting process, it is advisable to minimize decorations within the enclosure.
Environmental Conditions
Temperature:
Day: Maintain a daytime temperature of 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Night: A slight temperature drop at night is acceptable, but keep it above 65°F (18°C).
Humidity:
Maintain humidity levels between 50-70%.
Regular misting is essential to maintain proper humidity levels, especially during molting periods.
Feeding
Diet:
Creobroter apicalis should be fed a diet of small live insects such as fruit flies, small locust, and other small arthropods.
The prey size should be appropriate for the mantis's size, typically around half the length of the mantis's body.
Feeding Frequency:
Nymphs (juveniles) should be fed every other day.
Adults should be fed every 3-5 days.
Instar 1-3 Drosophila melanogaster.
Instar 3-4 Drosophila hydei.
Instar 4 greenbottle flies
Instar 6+ roaches, small locust and bluebottle flies.
Water
Hydration: Regular misting will provide necessary water droplets that the mantis can drink from leaves and decorations.
Misting: Mist the enclosure lightly once or twice a day to maintain humidity and provide water.
Handling
Frequency: Minimal handling is recommended as mantises can be easily stressed.
Technique: If handling is necessary, be gentle and allow the mantis to climb onto your hand rather than picking it up directly.
Moulting
Process:
Moulting is a critical process where the mantis sheds its exoskeleton to grow.
Ensure the enclosure has adequate vertical space for the mantis to hang during moulting.
The mantis may refuse food a day or two before moulting.
Post-Moult Care:
Do not handle the mantis immediately after moulting as they are vulnerable until their exoskeleton hardens.
It can take up to 48 hours to fully harden after a moult.
Breeding
Sexing:
Males are generally smaller and more slender, while females are larger and more robust. Males have 8 abdominal segments and females have 6.
Females are adult at instar 9 and males instar 8.
They are sexually mature 2-3 weeks after the final molt.
Mating Process:
Introduce the well-nourished female into the male’s enclosure by carefully placing her directly in front of him to ensure she catches his attention. Provide the female with a substantial food item, and to further distract her from the male, release a few blue bottle flies into the enclosure for her to hunt.
Monitor closely to prevent cannibalism and provide ample space and hiding spots.
Ootheca is normally laid 1-3 weeks after mating.
Egg Care:
Females lay ootheca (egg cases) that should be kept in similar environmental conditions to the adults.
Ensure the humidity is slightly higher during this period to facilitate healthy egg development.
Ootheca will normally hatch within 4-6 weeks, approximately 20-50 nymphs.
Common Issues
Dehydration:
Symptoms: Lethargy, shriveled appearance.
Solution: Increase humidity and ensure regular misting.
Moulting Problems:
Ensure the enclosure has adequate humidity and vertical space for moulting.
Cannibalism:
Provide ample food and space to reduce the risk of cannibalism, especially during mating.
Lifespan
Typical Lifespan: Approximately 6-12 months, depending on care and environmental conditions.
Conclusion
Caring for a Vietnam Flower Mantis (Creobroter apicalis) is a rewarding experience that requires attention to their specific environmental and dietary needs. With the right care, these captivating insects can thrive and exhibit their fascinating natural behaviors. Follow this guide to ensure a healthy, vibrant life for your mantis.
