Japanese Boxer Mantis (Acromantis japonica) Care Guide
Welcome to the world of the Japanese Boxer Mantis, scientifically named Acromantis japonica! Known for its unique "boxing" pose and compact size, this little mantis is packed with personality. Let’s get you set up with everything you need to know to keep your mantis happy and healthy!
Getting to Know Your Mantis
Name: Acromantis japonica, aka the Japanese Boxer Mantis.
Home Base: Native to the lush landscapes of Japan and parts of East Asia.
Natural Hangouts: These critters love temperate forests and grassy areas where they can blend right in with the leaves and flowers.
Setting Up the Perfect Mantis Mansion
The Right Fit: Since these mantises are on the smaller side (just 3-4 cm), they don’t need much space—a cozy enclosure about 10 x 15 cm will do! Make sure the height is at least three times their length and twice their width.
Material Matters: Acrylic terrarium or a well-ventilated plastic home works best for them.
The Ground Layer: Keep it simple with coconut fiber, peat moss, or even paper towels to lock in the moisture.
Décor Essentials:
Plants: Use live or fake plants to make your mantis feel right at home.
Branches & Twigs: Perfect for climbing and molting.
Pro Tip: Keep decorations minimal until they reach adulthood to prevent any molting mishaps.
Creating the Perfect Climate
Temperature Tips:
Daytime: Keep things warm and toasty between 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Nighttime: A slight drop is fine, but don’t let it dip below 65°F (18°C).
Humidity Hints:
Keep the humidity at a comfortable 50-70%. Regular misting is key, especially during those molting times!
What’s for Dinner? Mantis Meals
Menu for Your Mantis:
Small insects are their go-to grub! Think fruit flies, tiny locusts, and other bite-sized arthropods.
Aim for prey about half the size of your mantis for the perfect bite.
Feeding Schedule:
Nymphs (young ones): Feed every other day.
Adults: A meal every 3-5 days keeps them happy.
Specific Snacks by Stage:
Instar 1-3: Springtails and Drosophila melanogaster.
Instar 3-5: Drosophila hydei.
Instar 5+: House flies, greenbottle flies, small roaches, and locusts.
Water Works: Hydration is Key
Your mantis drinks water droplets from the leaves, so keep up with regular misting to provide those refreshing sips and maintain the right humidity.
Handling Your Mantis: Tips and Tricks
Handle with Care: Minimal handling is best to avoid stressing your mantis out.
How to Handle: If you must, let them crawl onto your hand—never grab them directly. Gentle movements are a must!
Molting: The Big Costume Change
Molting 101: Molting is when your mantis sheds its old exoskeleton to grow. It’s a big deal!
Make sure there’s plenty of vertical space for them to hang during the molt.
Your mantis might stop eating a day or two before—don’t worry, they’re just prepping.
After the Molt: Give them a break! Don’t handle your mantis right after molting—they’re delicate until their new exoskeleton hardens, which takes about 48 hours.
Breeding Like a Pro
Spotting the Differences:
Males are smaller and slimmer with 8 abdominal segments, while females are bigger and bulkier with 6 segments.
Females are ready to mate at instar 9, males at instar 8.
Matchmaking Tips:
When setting up a date, introduce a well-fed female to the male’s enclosure carefully. Offer her a snack (like green bottle flies) to keep her distracted and avoid any unwanted snacking on the male!
Egg Time:
Females will lay ootheca (egg cases) 1-3 weeks after mating. Keep these in similar conditions to the adults with a bit more humidity to ensure healthy hatching.
Common Mantis Woes and Fixes
Dehydration Drama:
Signs: Lethargy or a shriveled look.
Solution: Increase humidity and mist more often.
Molting Mishaps:
Ensure plenty of humidity and vertical space to avoid incomplete molts.
Cannibal Concerns:
To prevent cannibalism, make sure there’s plenty of food and space—especially during breeding!
Lifespan
These tiny titans typically live about 6-12 months, depending on their care and environment.
Conclusion
Taking care of a Japanese Boxer Mantis is a captivating and rewarding experience! By following this fun guide, you'll ensure your mantis lives a happy and healthy life, showing off all their amazing behaviors. Enjoy every moment with your miniature boxing buddy!
