Timor Island Shield Mantis

Rhombodera Kirbyi or the Timor Island shield Mantis is a large robust species sporting a round prothorax. Similar in appearance to the Giant shield mantis, adults can reach up to 4 inches long with a warm tan to brown coloration. They have a big appetite and will eat anything they can catch.

Timor Island 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 70-85 F but can go lower at night. A heat lamp or heating pad can be used to get the desired temp



Humidity:

They prefer humidity 60% or higher. 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 but will eat most feeders. As small 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 crickets or roaches as they grow. Most pet stores sell fruit flies, crickets, roaches and wax worms that can be grown into moths. Larger flies can found easily from online suppliers or sometimes from bait shops.