African Twig Mantis (Popa spurca)
Size
7-8cm (2.75-3in)
Moisture
50-60% Humidity
Temperature
22-30°C (72-86°F)
Sexing
Can be sexed by abdominal segments at i4 and onwards. Females will have 6 while males will have 8. Males will have a longer pale patch on the underside tip of their abdomens.
Lifespan
After molting to adult, females will last 6-8 months. Males generally last only 3-4 months. Lifespans can often vary due to things such as diet, rate of feeding, and temperature. The colder it is, the slower they grow.
Instars
Males mature at i8-i9 and females at i10-i11.
Feeding
This species is an ambush predator, choosing to mimic sticks and often waiting for food to come to it. They may still chase down food if hungry, however.
- i1-i3: D. melanogaster, D. hydei
- i4-i6: D. hydei, house flies, green/blue bottle flies, small roaches, small hoppers
- i7-i10: Green/Blue bottle flies, small-medium roaches, small-medium hoppers
Enclosure
Zilla enclosures work well if properly modified with mesh. Make sure any added mesh is taut and not loose. DIY setups are also popular because of this. When making a setup, try to add cross ventilation. When decorating your setup, avoid clutter and low hanging branches to prevent mismolts. Enclosures should be at least 2 times as wide as the mantis is long and 3 times as tall as the mantis is long. This will give them space to molt.
Here are some guidelines:
- i1-i3: 5.5oz deli container
- i4-i5: 16oz deli container
- i6-i8: 32oz deli container
- i7-i10: 80oz deli container
Other Info:
When disturbed, individuals will hold their arms in front of them and freeze to mimic a twig.