Deroplatys truncata

Deroplatys truncata – highlight for mantid lovers

Deroplatys truncata is one of the most impressive praying mantises and is particularly impressive due to its unusual camouflage. Its body resembles a dried leafwhich makes it almost invisible in its natural habitat.

The animals reach a size of about 6 to 8 cm and show mostly brown to dark brown colors. As a result, they look like dead leaves and fit perfectly into a natural terrarium. At the same time, their broad body shape gives them a particularly striking appearance.

Suitable for keeping is a high-built terrariumas mantids need a lot of space at the top. A terrarium from about 20 × 20 × 30 cm is well suited for adult animals. Important are many Branches and twigson which the animals can stay and moult.

The temperatures should be between 24 and 28 °C lie. At the same time Deroplatys truncata a higher humidity of about 70-80 %. Regular spraying is therefore important so that the animals can absorb sufficient fluids and shed their skin without any problems.

Compared to more robust species, this mantid reacts somewhat more sensitively to the wrong conditions. At the same time, the husbandry can be stabilized well if temperature and humidity are kept constant.

Deroplatys truncata is a typical ambush hunter. The animals sit motionless in place and wait for prey to approach. As soon as a food animal comes within reach, they strike at lightning speed.

The most suitable food is Flies, moths or other flying insectsas these are particularly well accepted. Crickets and cockroaches are also eaten, but the animals react particularly strongly to moving prey.

As with all mantids, they are kept individuallyotherwise cannibalism may occur.

Due to their unique leaf camouflagetheir quiet behavior and their special appearance is Deroplatys truncata is a real highlight in the terrarium and is particularly suitable for keepers who value unusual species.