Oxyopsis peruviana Care Guide: Peruvian Leaf Mantis
Welcome to Praying Mantis World! Here’s your ultimate care guide for the fascinating Peruvian Leaf Mantis (Oxyopsis peruviana).
General Information
Scientific Name: Oxyopsis peruviana
Common Name: Peruvian Leaf Mantis
Origin: Native to the tropical rainforests of Peru and other parts of South America.
Lifespan: Typically 6 to 12 months.
Size: Females can grow up to 6 cm (2.4 inches), while males are slightly smaller at around 5 cm (2 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 leaves to replicate their natural 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.
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, whereas males are slimmer with longer antennae. Additionally, males have 8 abdominal segments, while females have 6.
Mature: Females are adult at instar 8 and males instar 7. females are ready 4 weeks and males 3 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 ootheca (egg cases), which should be kept at 24-26°C (75-79°F) with 60-80% humidity for successful hatching. Incubation typically takes 6-8 weeks and generally results in the hatching of 100 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
Behavior: Peruvian Leaf Mantises are well-camouflaged among leaves, making them efficient ambush predators. Their leaf-like appearance provides excellent camouflage, making them fascinating to observe.
By following this care guide, you can create a thriving environment for your Oxyopsis peruviana. Enjoy the captivating world of the Peruvian Leaf Mantis!
