Orchid Mantis - Hymenopus coronatus

Flower mantis from SE Asia which is named because of its resemblance to the petals of the orchid flower.  Early instar nymphs are black and red while adults are primarily white and a soft pink color.  Some can even be yellow, green, or even a deep pink.  Males are smaller in size (~1 inch at adult) and take fewer molts to reach adulthood while females reach ~3 inches in size.

This flower-mimic species usually waits for prey to approach and should be fed flying insects appropriate for its size (fruit flies when young and eventually moving on to house flies and bottle flies as it grows).  Late instar females and adult females will also take the occasional waxworm, wax moth, mealworm, or roach.  This species can be kept from 75-90 F during the day with warmer temperatures speeding growth and cooler temperatures slowing their growth.  They should be misted daily to allow them to drink and also maintain humidity.  Humidity should be high, ideally ~80% but no lower than 60%.  Enclosure width should be 2 times the mantis' length and height should be 3 times the mantis' length.    Not a communal species - only one should be housed per enclosure.  These are captive-bred for pet purposes only - not to be released in the wild. 

Nymphs are sold unsexed unless otherwise specified.