Parasphendale affinis Care Guide: Budwing Mantis
Welcome to Praying Mantis World! Here’s your ultimate care guide for the captivating Budwing Mantis (Parasphendale affinis).
General Information
Scientific Name: Parasphendale affinis
Common Name: Budwing Mantis
Origin: Native to the dry and semi-arid regions of East Africa.
Lifespan: Typically 6 to 12 months.
Size: Females can grow up to 6-7 cm (2.4-2.8 inches), while males are slightly smaller at around 5-6 cm (2-2.4 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 a dry substrate such as sand, vermiculite, or a mix of soil and sand to replicate their natural habitat.
Decor: Include twigs, branches, and plants to replicate their environment. Ensure plenty of vertical climbing spaces.
Humidity: Maintain humidity levels between 40-60%. Lightly mist the enclosure 1-2 times a week.
Temperature: Ideal temperatures range between 24-30°C (75-86°F) during the day, with slightly cooler temperatures at night.
To facilitate an unobstructed moulting process, it is advisable to minimize decorations within the enclosure until adult.
Feeding
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.
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.
Molting Conditions: Ensure adequate vertical space and maintain appropriate humidity to facilitate a successful moult.
Post-Moult Care: Avoid handling or feeding your mantis for at least 48 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 and females have 6.
Mature: Females are adult at instar 9 and males instar 8. They are sexually mature 3-4 weeks after the final moult.
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.
Post-Mating Care: Remove the male after mating to prevent him from being eaten. Females will lay ootheca (egg cases) 1-3 weeks after mating, which should be kept at 26-28°C (79-82°F) with 40-60% humidity for successful hatching. Incubation normally takes 5-7 weeks.
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: Budwing Mantises are known for their active hunting behavior and unique wing structures. They use their wings to appear larger when threatened and are fascinating to observe during feeding.
By following this care guide, you can create a thriving environment for your Parasphendale affinis. Enjoy the captivating world of the Budwing Mantis!
