Sphodromantis aurea

Sphodromantis aurea – Easy-care mantid with a strong appetite

Sphodromantis aurea is a particularly robust and at the same time impressive praying mantiswhich is ideal for beginners. Due to its uncomplicated keeping and active behavior, it is one of the most popular mantids in terraristics.

The animals reach a size of about 6 to 8 cm and usually show a green to slightly yellowish coloration. This makes them look very natural and they fit perfectly into a planted terrarium. At the same time, their strong stature makes for an imposing appearance.

Suitable for keeping is a high-built terrariumas mantids need a lot of space at the top. A rule of thumb is three times the body length in heightso that the animals can moult easily. A terrarium from about 20 × 20 × 30 cm is well suited for adult animals.

The furnishings should consist of branches, twigs and climbing structures exist. These not only provide support, but also serve as preferred perches. Mantids hang upside down on such structures to moult.

The temperatures should be between 22 and 28 °C while a humidity of around 50-70 %. is ideal. Regular, light spraying ensures that the animals can absorb sufficient fluids.

Sphodromantis aurea shows a very active hunting behavior. The animals lie in wait for their prey and strike at lightning speed. Suitable food is flies, crickets, cockroaches or other suitable food insectswhich are reliably accepted.

The animals are always kept individuallyas most mantids are cannibalistic. Losses can otherwise occur, especially after moulting or during mating.

Due to their robustnesstheir strong feeding behavior and their easy keeping is Sphodromantis aurea an ideal species for anyone who wants to start keeping mantids. At the same time, it also delights experienced keepers with its exciting behavior and reliable development.