Features:

• large, easy to care for species
• introduced into the United States in 1896
• Can be trained to be hand fed

Name: Tenodera sinensis: Chinese praying mantis, the genus Tenodera is derived from latin and translates to “slender neck” while the specific epithet sinensis means “from China” in latin. Thus it is the slender neck mantis from China. The “slender neck” is probably in reference to the insect’s slender prothorax, though truthfully this is more akin to the chest and shoulders than it is to the neck. The common name is a reference to its nation of origin and the “praying” position taken by most mantises while waiting for prey. The word “mantis” itself originally meant “prophet” in latin. 

Recommended enclosure size:  In order to give your mantis a little elbow room we recommend the enclosure be about three times the length of the mantis in length and width and height. Enclosures can be roomier but remember that giving too much space can make it difficult for the mantis to find its prey. 

Temperature: 70-80F

Humidity: 60-65%

Size: ~2” when received. A large female can grow up to 5”.

Age: Usually 3rd to 4th instar upon shipping, reaches adulthood at 8th instar. Total lifespan is usually about one year and six months as an adult. 

Feeding: Prey items should be smaller than the mantis. They are commonly fed flies, beginning with fruit flies in the earliest stages and progressing to house and blue bottle flies as older nymphs and as adults. Bigger prey items may be given, just keep in mind that prey larger than the mantis itself may be hazardous to the mantis. Uneaten prey items should be removed when the mantis looks to be ready to molt. Mantises are vulnerable during this time to jostling or being munched on by would be prey such as crickets.  

Sexing: Adult and subadult mantises may be sexed by counting the number of abdominal segments. Females typically have 6 while any number greater than this should indicate a male. Males also tend to be more slender than females which are often engorged with eggs. 

Color/Pattern: Chinese mantises are usually either brown or green. Some brown individuals will also have a green band on the leading edge of their front wings

Social behavior: Mantises are notoriously cannibalistic and should not be kept communally.

Breeding: The female Chinese will commonly attempt to eat her mate. In the wild the male often is able to escape but in an enclosed environment in captivity the male very often succumbs and is devoured. If attempting a pairing we recommend using a larger terrarium than what would normally be used to keep the mantises individually so that the male may be able to escape. Females will eventually produce an ootheca even if unmated but it will not be viable. 

Natural Range: Various parts of Asia.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts where you can find some information concerning six legged pets as well.

http://arachnoboards.com/forums/insects-other-invertebrates-arthropods.18/

• Pets Keepers Guide: A forum of where a variety of information concerning many types of pets may be found; including insects.

http://petskeepersguide.com/forums/Forum-General-insect-and-arthropod-Forum

Still not sure if Chinese Mantids from Josh's Frogs is the right pet bug for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!