Giant Boxer Mantis
The name Boxer mantis is given to several species of mantids characterized but oversized grasping forarms and the way they sway and move like a boxer. They are a smaller species reaching only 1 and 1/2 inch but have a fierce apatite. Hestiasula major is one of the larger species of boxers.
African Boxer 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 cannibalistic and should be house separately
Temperature:
They prefer temps from 77-85F but can go lower at night. A heat lamp or heating pad can be used to get the desired temp.
Humidity:
They prefer humidity from 60-70%. Daily misting can meet these requirements
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:
Flying insects are the preferred source of food. 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. They can eat small crickets or small roaches as adults. 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.