Helvia cardinalis Care Guide: Yellow Orchid Mantis
Welcome to Praying Mantis World! Here’s your ultimate care guide for the enchanting Yellow Orchid Mantis (Helvia cardinalis).
General Information
Scientific Name: Helvia cardinalis
Common Name: Yellow Orchid Mantis
Origin: Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia.
Lifespan: Typically 6 to 12 months.
Size: Females can grow up to 5 cm (2 inches), while males are slightly smaller at around 4 cm (1.6 inches).
Enclosure Requirements
Enclosure Size: A well-ventilated terrarium with dimensions at least three times the mantis's body length in height and twice its body length in width and depth.
Substrate: Use moisture-retaining substrates such as coconut fiber, peat moss, or a mix of soil and sand.
Decor: Include live or artificial plants, twigs, and branches to replicate their natural orchid habitat. Ensure plenty of 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 24-28°C (75-82°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, typically around half the length of the mantis's body.
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-molt 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, whereas males are slimmer with longer antennae. Additionally, males have 8 abdominal segments, while females have 6.
Mature: Females are adult at instar 9 and males instar 7. They are sexually mature 2-3 weeks after the final molt.
Breeding Setup: The only success i have had with these is by putting the male on the female while she has a large food item. If left to stalk the female the male usually gets eaten.
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.
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: Yellow Orchid Mantises are masters of disguise, often resembling orchid flowers. Their vibrant yellow coloration helps them blend in with their environment, making them efficient ambush predators.
By following this care guide, you can create a thriving environment for your Helvia cardinalis. Enjoy the fascinating world of the Yellow Orchid Mantis!
