Double Shield Mantis
Pnignomantis medioconstricta or the Double shield mantis is a larger species of mantis that has a large range of color variations. They are quite fun to keep due to their large size and voracious appetite.
They are often described with banded marking on the forarms and legs. Most adults will turn grey in color with checkering patterns on the wings. They often have light cheek markings as well. at the 5th instar they develop two shields on the pronotum giving them their name.
Double shield Mantis Care
Housing:
Mantids don’t require much space but the cage or container needs to be able to accommodate them as they grow. Generally the container must be 3x the mantis length and 2x for the width. It must be well ventilated to prevent the growth of mold
This species is VERY cannibalistic and should be house separately
Temperature:
They prefer temps from 70-86 F but are very forgiving and can go lower or higher. However anything lower than 70 can be dangerous. A heat lamp or heating pad can be used to get the desired temp.
Humidity:
They dont require much humidity but prefer humidity around 60%. Daily misting can meet these requirements. Higher ranges of humidity might be require for the final molt.
Water:
Mantids do not require standing water to drink and receive most of their moisture from their food. They will however drink water drops from misting. Good ventilation is required to prevent mold growth from higher humidity
Feeding:
They will eat just about anything. As nymphs fruit flies are the ideal food source and increase to house flies and blue/green bottle flies as they get larger. They also will enjoy moths or other harmless flying insects. It’s recommended that the size of the feeder insect does not exceed 1/2 the mantis length.
Adults can eat crickets or roaches however they don’t often climb up high enough to where the mantis is hiding and go uneaten. Most pet stores sell fruit flies and wax worms that can be grown into moths. Larger flies can found easily from online suppliers or sometimes from bait shops.