Popa spurca crassa

Popa spurca crassa – Hardly distinguishable from a branch

Popa spurca crassa is one of the most impressive camouflage artists in the mantid world, as the animals look remarkably similar to a dry twig. The body is extremely slender and elongated, while the brown coloration makes the illusion perfect.

It is particularly exciting when the animals are sitting between branches. Then they literally merge with their surroundings, so that you often have to look several times before you spot the mantid.

In addition, many animals exhibit a slight swaying of the body. This makes them look like a branch moving in the wind, while at the same time further improving their camouflage.

Exactly this behavior makes Popa spurca crassa one of the most fascinating mantids for observers.

Quiet lurking hunters with exciting hunting technique

During the day, the animals usually sit motionless on branches or twigs while attentively observing their surroundings. At the same time, they wait patiently for passing prey.

However, as soon as a suitable food animal approaches, everything changes within fractions of a second. The tentacles shoot forward and grab the prey precisely and securely.

This creates an exciting contrast between complete calm and explosive speed, which is why the style never gets boring.

Terrarium size and set-up

A well-ventilated high terrarium is suitable for keeping them, as the animals like to sit in an elevated position and also need sufficient space for moulting.

Particularly suitable:

• Repto Terra Sky
• Mantid terrarium complete set
• Well ventilated gauze terrariums

The furnishings should be as natural as possible. The following have proved particularly successful:

• Spiderwood
• Mini tree
• River root
• Repto Plant Vines
• Cork tubes

This creates plenty of places to sit and hide, while the animals can make optimum use of their camouflage.

Climate and care

Popa spurca crassa prefers warm temperatures and medium humidity.

They have proven themselves:

• Temperature: 24-30 °C
• Humidity: 50-70 %

Regular light spraying ensures that the animals can drink and at the same time creates a stable climate.

With a GLORIA fine sprayer can be used to distribute the moisture particularly finely, preventing waterlogging and ensuring that the animals still find sufficient water.

Feeding

The species accepts various food animals without any problems. Depending on size, the following are suitable:

• Fruit flies
• Gold flies
• Blowflies
• Cricket
• other suitable food insects

Active food animals in particular are readily accepted, as they trigger the animals’ hunting instinct.

A varied diet also ensures healthy growth and problem-free development.

Breeding and development

After mating, the females lay typical oothecae, from which numerous young can later hatch.

The young animals show the typical branch camouflage early on and develop it further with each moult. At the same time, the animals become more contrasting from moult to moult and look more and more like small twigs.

Important points on posture

• Well ventilated high terrarium
• Lots of branches and climbing areas
• Warm temperatures
• Average humidity
• Exciting camouflage and observation possibilities
• Ideal for near-natural setups

Suitable accessories for your setup

For a natural and functional setup, we recommend

• Mantid terrarium complete set – ideal terrarium for mantids
• Spiderwood – Natural seating and camouflage areas
• Repto Plant vines – additional climbing structures
• GLORIA fine sprayer – optimal moisturizing
• Large fruit fly – ideal food animal for L3
• Blowflies – ensure natural hunting behavior in large animals
• Insektenliebe- acrylic terrarium – perfect for young animals

This creates a natural terrarium in which the animals can optimally display their impressive camouflage and exciting behavior.

Conclusion

Popa spurca crassa is one of the most fascinating praying mantises for lovers of natural camouflage. The perfect mimicry, the calm behavior and the exciting hunting style make this species a real eye-catcher, even if you sometimes only discover it at second glance.

If you are looking for unusual mantids with excellent camouflage and an elegant appearance, you will love Popa spurca crassa a lot of pleasure.