Joker Mantis
The Prohierodula picta is a medium to large species from central Africa often found in Cameroon. They reach around 3inches in length with a brownish grey coloration. They are known for their beautiful wing coloration with bright red and black striping.
Prohierodula picta 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
Adult Size: 3-3.5 inches
Co-habitation: This is a very aggressive and must be housed separately
Temperature
They prefer temps from 75-85 F and can go lower at night. Anything lower than 68 can be dangerous. A heat lamp or heating pad can be used to get the desired temp.
Humidity / Water
humidity: 60%
Once daily misting every day 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:
This species is a formidable hunter. They are able to eat most feeder insect types L1-2 Nymphs should eat Hydie fruit flies moving on to house flies and blue bottle flies as they grow. Adults can eat red runner roaches, blue bottle flies, mealworms and crickets.