Flower Mantis Spinner
Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii, sometimes known as the spiny Flower Mantis, is a magnificent and vibrant species of flower mantis. When they are mature, they have a stunning color pattern on their feathers that resembles an eye. They are white with orange and green lines on them.
Sub-Saharan region in Africa is where this type of praying mantis is most commonly found.
The Spiny Flower Mantis’s appearance
The legs of this type of flower mantis has a colorful lines on them. Based on the lighting, the color of their eyes can range from lilac to deep purple. It has an orange patch on the underside of their abdomen that, when they are nymphs, mimics an eye to frighten away predators.
When they are mature, their feathers feature a black and yellow “swirl” that also resembles an eye. A spiny flower mantis will raise its feathers to reveal its two eyes if you show a sign of harm to it. Bright yellow wings are located beneath the upper, narrower wings.
The nymphs are black when they are born. Until the L3 instar stage, they remain dark. Following this stage, they are primarily orange-pink speckled and are progressively whiter with each molt.
Their adult measure about 4 to 5 inches in length. In this species, men and females have fairly similar appearances.
The Spiny Flower Mantis’s Behavioural Display
Although they can hunt energetically once they have discovered their food, this species is generally silent. Some people are highly upset and will flap their feathers in response to their smallest disturbance, whereas other people like them.
This mantis cannot be given huge prey like adult locusts because of their size. Rather than feeding them crickets, it is advisable to give them caterpillars and flies.
Ecological factors
The preferred temperature is roughly 26 °C, however it can range from 25 °C to 30 °C. At least 18 °C should be the ambient temperature at night.
Although this species does not need a high humidity as part of their requirements, excessive dampness can be fatal to them due to diseases.
Feeding Method
Like the majority of praying mantis families, this one practices cannibalism. Any moving, suitable-sized object, including those of its own species or family, will be consumed. Nymphs that are young (up to L4) can be maintained together, but when they are matured, they become more prone to consume one another
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