Wandering Violin Mantis - Gongylus gongylodes

The Wandering Violin Mantis (Gongylus gongylodes) is a large Empusid mantis species from SE Asia.  They have a long narrow prothorax and a projection on their head.  They also cannot climb smooth enclosures and must have mesh or textured surroundings to climb upon.  I personally prefer using fully meshed enclosures for this species (I sell these mesh cubes: https://kiwistix.com/store/collapsible-net-mesh-cube-insect-cage )

Diet should be flying insects appropriate for its size (fruit flies when young and eventually moving on to house flies and bottle flies as it grows).  This species should be kept at daytime temperatures between 80 and 95 F and misted every other day to allow it to drink.  Enclosure width should be 2 times the mantis' length and height should be 3 times the mantis' length.  Cross ventilation is important and humidity should be low, <50% RH.

This species can be kept communally although there is always some risk of cannibalism as they are predatory insects.  These are captive-bred for pet or educational purposes only - not to be released in the wild. 

Nymphs are sold unsexed unless otherwise specified.