Orchid mantis - Hymenopus coronatus care guide

Hymenopus coronatus Care Guide: Orchid Mantis

Welcome to Praying Mantis World! Here’s your ultimate care guide for the exquisite Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus).

Scientific Name: Hymenopus coronatus
Common Name: Orchid Mantis
Origin: Native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Lifespan: Typically 6 to 12 months.
Size: Females can grow up to 6-7 cm (2.4-2.8 inches), while males are smaller at around 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 inches).

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 flowers 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 24-30°C (75-86°F) during the day, with slightly cooler temperatures at night.

Diet: Feed your mantis a variety of live insects. Recommended options include:
- Fruit flies (Drosophila species) for nymphs.
- Blue and green bottle flies (Calliphora vomitoria, Lucilia sericata).
- Waxworms (Achroia grisella) - offer sparingly due to high-fat content.
- Moths.
- Roaches (such as Dubia, lobster or red runner 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.

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 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.

Sexing: Females are larger with wider abdomens, while males are slimmer with longer antennae. Males have 8 abdominal segments and females have 6.
Mature: Females are adult at instar 9 and males instar 7. They are sexually mature 2-4 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 green bottle flies into the enclosure for her to hunt. I find it easier to put the male on the females back while she is eating.
Post-Mating Care: After mating, promptly remove the male to prevent him from being eaten. Females will lay ootheca (egg cases) within 1-3 weeks after breeding. For successful hatching, maintain the ootheca at a temperature of 26-28°C (79-82°F) with 70-80% humidity. Incubation typically takes 6-8 weeks and generally results in the hatching of 40-80 nymphs, although there have been instances of up to 100 nymphs hatching.

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.

Behavior: Orchid Mantises are known for their beautiful mimicry of orchid flowers, which they use to ambush prey. Their graceful movements and striking appearance make them a joy to observe.

By following this care guide, you can create a thriving environment for your Hymenopus coronatus. Enjoy the captivating world of the Orchid Mantis!