Caring for L1 Pnigomantis medioconstricta (Double Shield Mantis) nymphs

[jseng]

Hi all,

With newborn hatchlings of most mantid species, I typically mist them beginning on day 1, but wait 2 or even 3 days before offering them food for the first time, and I wait to separate them into individual containers until L3 or even L4. However, I just had a Pnigomantis medioconstricta ooth hatch yesterday and this is the first time I've cared for such young nymphs of this species. For those of you who have worked with Double Shield hatchlings before, how soon do you start offering them food? Seeing as though they're quite large even at L1, can I start them off on hydei, or would melanogasters be better? And when do you separate the nymphs into individual containers (i.e., at what instar do they start to cannibalize, even with adequate space and prey)?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Josh

 

[mantisman 230]

Feed day two, cannibalization is very rapid with this species, separation into groups of three is strongly recommended right away, hydei should work fine

 

[jseng]

My nymphs and I thank you for sharing!