African Occellated Mantis (Pseudocreobroter occellata)

The African Occellated Mantis is a neat invertebrate pet. These colorful little mantids are easy to breed in captivity, therefore they are fairly common at the moment. They are between 25 and 40 nymphs per ootheca (eggcase). African Occellated Mantids have a look of their own, with a unique design on their wings, and a spiky appearance. They are pros when it comes to catching prey, and will catch a flying insect right out of the air! Like most mantids, the African Occellated Mantis should be kept well ventilated. A screen cage works best for this, just make sure the holes aren't too big for the live prey or baby mantis to escape through. Also, as with other mantid species, they need perches for molting, therefore, branches are necessary. They also need to be fed and misted every other day. Not a starter species, but you don't have to have much experience to keep this mantis. African Occellated Mantids make a good species for an "advanced beginner". In conclusion, the African Occellated Mantis is a nice and rewarding mantis to keep in captivity.

Range	Savannahs and tropical forests of Africa.
Type	Arboreal.
Diet	Babies eat flightless fruit flies, pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, moths, flies, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size	2 to 3 inches.
Growth	Fast speed.
Temperature	75 to 82° F.
Humidity	75 to 80%.
Temperament	Docile and calm.
Housing	For mantids, a screen cage is best, and is recommended more than any other enclosure. Babies can live in a small screen cage. Adults can live in a large screen cage. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate	2 to 3 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor	Branches, live plants, vines etc. make good climbing accessories. They also need these decorations to hang upside-down on a branch or a leaf for molting purposes. Moss can be added for floor cover.
Other Names	Bulls-eye Mantis, and #9 Mantis.

Malaysian Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus)

Masters of disguise, the rare Malaysian Orchid Mantis is a gem of the insect world! The coloration between specimens varies from pink to yellow to white, allowing the Malaysian Orchid Mantis to blend in with orchid flowers in its' native habitat. This camouflage is good for not being seen by predators, or prey. Malaysian Orchid Mantids are great at catching prey, especially flying insects. The prey doesn't detect the mantis, until it's too late. Feeding a Malaysian Orchid Mantis can be quite a show! This rare species is slightly difficult to breed. With mature males sometimes less than half the size of the adult females, inbreeding is not likely. Molting can be problematic without proper humidity because of the mantids' extended legs. The legs of a Malaysian Orchid Mantis are made to look like the pedals of a flower. Lastly, the Malaysian Orchid Mantis is reputed to be one of the calmest and most docile mantis species out there! So if you're an intermediate keeper looking for a rare and unique mantis to add to your collection, the Malaysian Orchid Mantis is the one for you!

Range	Malaysian rainforests, possibly rainforests in the Indonesian Islands.
Type	Arboreal.
Diet	Babies eat flightless fruit flies, pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, moths, flies, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size	Females get up to 4.5 inches. Males get up to 2 inches.
Growth	Fast speed.
Temperature	Around 80° F.
Humidity	Around 75%.
Temperament	Docile and calm.
Housing	For mantids, a screen cage is best, and is recommended more than any other enclosure. Babies can live in a small screen cage. Adults can live in a large screen cage. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate	2 to 3 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor	Branches, live plants, vines etc. make good climbing accessories. They also need these decorations to hang upside-down on a branch or a leaf for molting purposes. Moss can be added for floor cover.
Other Names	Pink Orchid Mantis.

Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis (Deroplatys dessicata)

The Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis is a mysterious mantis species. The females of this species can get huge, yet they still are hard to spot out in the rainforest. Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantids hold true to their name. Not only do the legs resemble leaves and twigs, but the entire top of the body has the facade of a dead leaf! The dark underside of the mantis is also good for camouflage, if you look up, you will just see a leaf shadow. The Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis is master in its' micro-domain, quietly slaying its' unsuspecting insect prey. These mantids are generally placid, but they have a daunting threat display. The Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis rears back, with his head up high, and ready to strike. Like with cobras, the hooded head adds to the fearsome demeanor. The Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis makes a cryptic pet for the insect keeper.

Range	Malaysian rainforests.
Type	Arboreal.
Diet	Babies eat flightless fruit flies, pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, moths, flies, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size	Females get up to 5.5 inches. Males get up to 3 inches.
Growth	Fast speed.
Temperature	75 to 80° F.
Humidity	Around 75%.
Temperament	Docile and calm.
Housing	For mantids, a screen cage is best, and is recommended more than any other enclosure. Babies can live in a small screen cage. Adults can live in a large screen cage. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate	2 to 3 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor	Branches, live plants, vines etc. make good climbing accessories. They also need these decorations to hang upside-down on a branch or a leaf for molting purposes. Moss can be added for floor cover.
Other Names	Dead Leaf Mantis.