Deroplatys desiccata Care Guide: Giant Dead Leaf Mantis

Welcome to Praying Mantis World! Here’s your ultimate care guide for the captivating Giant Dead Leaf Mantis (Deroplatys desiccata).

General Information

• Scientific Name: Deroplatys desiccata

• Common Name: Giant Dead Leaf Mantis

• Origin: Native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

• Lifespan: Typically 6 to 12 months.

• Size: Females grow up to 10 cm (4 inches), while males are slightly smaller at around 8 cm (3.1 inches).

Enclosure Requirements

• Enclosure Size: Choose a well-ventilated terrarium that is at least three times the mantis's body length in height and twice its body length in width and depth.

• Substrate: Use humidity-retaining substrates such as coconut fiber, peat moss, or a mix of soil and sand.

• Decor: Mimic their natural habitat with twigs, branches, and leaves. Ensure ample vertical climbing spaces.

• To facilitate an unobstructed moulting process, it is advisable to minimize decorations within the enclosure until adult.

• Humidity: Maintain humidity levels between 60-80%. Lightly mist the enclosure 2-3 times a week.

• Temperature: Ideal temperatures range between 24-30°C (75-86°F) during the day, with slightly cooler temperatures at night.

Feeding

• Diet: Feed your mantis a variety of live insects. Recommended options include:

  • Fruit flies (Drosophila species) for nymphs.

  • Blue bottle flies (Calliphora vomitoria).

  • Waxworms (Achroia grisella) - offer sparingly due to high-fat content.

  • Moths.

  • Roaches (such as Dubia roaches).

• Feeding Frequency: Young nymphs should be fed every other day, while adults can be fed every 3-4 days. Always remove uneaten prey to avoid stress and potential harm to your mantis.

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

• Hydration: Mantises typically get moisture from their prey and the enclosure’s humidity. Occasionally mist the enclosure lightly.

Moulting

• Signs of Moulting: Before moulting, mantids will stop eating and become less active, often hanging upside down.

• Moulting Conditions: Ensure adequate vertical space and maintain high humidity to facilitate a successful moult.

• Post-Moult Care: Avoid handling or feeding your mantis for at least 24 hours post-moult to allow the exoskeleton to harden.

Handling

• Handling Tips: Limit handling to minimize stress. Mantises are delicate and should be handled with care.

• Handling Method: Gently coax the mantis onto your hand using a soft brush or your fingers. Avoid sudden movements.

Breeding

• Sexing: Females are larger with wider abdomens, while males are slimmer with longer antennae. Males have 8 abdominal segments, while females have 6. Additionally, females' prothorax shields end in a sharp, pointed curve on each side, whereas males have a rounder shape.

• Mature: Females are adult at instar 9 and males instar 8. They are sexually mature 4-5 weeks after the final molt.

• Breeding Setup: 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.

• Post-Mating Care: Remove the male after mating to prevent him from being eaten. Females will lay oothecae (egg cases), which should be kept at 24-26°C (75-79°F) with 60-80% humidity for successful hatching. Incubation normally takes 6- weeks and generally results in the hatching of 25 - 80 nymphs.

Health and Maintenance

• Cleaning: Spot clean the enclosure regularly and conduct a thorough cleaning every few weeks to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.

• Health Monitoring: Watch for signs of dehydration (shriveled appearance) or molting issues (incomplete molts). Adjust humidity and temperature as needed.

• Pests and Diseases: Ensure feeder insects are healthy and free from parasites. Avoid using wild-caught insects to reduce the risk of introducing pests or diseases.

Observing Behavior

• Camouflage: Giant Dead Leaf Mantises are masters of disguise, often resembling dead leaves. They are ambush predators, relying on their mimicry to catch unsuspecting prey.

By following this care guide, you can create a thriving environment for your Deroplatys desiccata. Enjoy the fascinating world of the Giant Dead Leaf Mantis!