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 Grass hoppers or Crickets

Enclosure

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.