Paradoxa mantis

We offer strong Nymphs of Phyllocrania paradoxa from L2-L6. 

Information

Phyllocrania paradoxa, also called Ghost Mantis, owes it's to its particular forms and alien-like head. The species is identified by a long asymmetrical shaped protrusion on the head, which is designed to look better as a dry leaf. Phyllocrania paradoxa is native to Madagascar and Africa.

Appearance

This kind of praying mantis mimics dry leaves so they do not stand out among fallen leaves in the forest areas where it occurs. This way they can grab an unsuspecting prey and remain unseen for predators such as insect-eating birds. The most common color for this kind is dark brown, but sometimes a green one is seen. This color is determined by the environment; a damper greener environment often provides a green animal. P. paradoxa is about 5 cm long, with little difference in size between the sexes. Males are smaller with slightly longer wings than the abdomen. The females are larger with a wider prothorax and with wings that extend down to the abdomen.

Behavior

Phyllocrania paradoxa is a quiet kind of praying mantis. It is a typical sit-and-wait predator. Relying on its camouflage she waits patiently for an unsuspecting prey. Once she has an eye on it it strikes rapidly, and the prey will be stuck firmly between the tentacles of this predator. P. paradoxa will rarely actively hunt prey, but rather wait for an opportune moment to strike. Sometimes this kind of praying mantis is a bit cautious and a little scared. A large tweezers or big hand in the living area will cause for refusing the prey. Wait fifteen minutes and try it again, then the air will be cleared.

Food

Phyllocrania paradoxa food in nature mainly flying insects. It would be good to offer them fly instead of crickets. Crickets also be eaten and are therefore perfect food for these animals. Please note only briefly that no stray crickets hanging out in the loft when the mantis will molt. An adult P. paradoxa can adult crickets, but it is better to give them some small crickets, eg. Size 6 or 7. P. paradoxa are some quick intimidated by a large tweezers with a prey.

Environmental conditions

The ideal temperature is about 26 ° C, but can vary between 20 ° C and 30 ° C. At night, the cooler may be during the day, but at least 18 ° C. This species requires a relatively high humidity. Approximately 60 to 90% humidity. This is achieved by spraying about 5x per week with water. As with all types of Mantis, this species has a vessel requires that at least 3 times the length of the animal is high, wide and at least 2x the length of the animal. For an adult animal so this means at least 15 cm in height and 10 cm in width. A nice size for a terrarium would be 20 x 20 x 30, so there is room for lots of fake plants and perches. Dry leaves magnificent colors in this type, sometimes they all go in the area.

Group housing

Unlike most species this kind of praying mantis is that they can be kept together throughout their lives without cannibalism. The conditions for this are, however, that the animals at all times need enough to eat and that the stay is sufficiently large. The risk of cannibalism is very small, but it is unguaranteed it will not happen.