Desert Mantids?

[Xenomantis]

Are there any other mantids similar to the Desert Pebble Mantis? Ones that have adapted to a purely desert lifestyle?

The reason I ask is alot of the colleges I've been looking at are in the Arizona and New Mexico area where it my be easier to keep mantids with fewer humidity needs. Plus, I love desert terrariums. ^_^

Thanks!

 

[Christian]

Desert mantids are actually much more difficult to keep than other species. They need humidity as well, but you have to know when and how to offer it. Despite Eremiaphila, there are some other genera adapted to a certain degree to desert or semi-desert life: Ground mantids: Ligaria, Ligariella and allies; Yersiniops and allies; Rivetina and allies; Geomantis; Ambush species: Eremoplana; Hypsicorypha; Blepharopsis; some Iris. All these need high temperatures and special requirements and are by no means easy species. The most widespread and easiest of those is Blepharopsis.

 

[Xenomantis]

Thanks for the information! I guess I'll stick to some of the easier ones to keep before even trying the desert species, then.

 

[The_Asa]

They do look cool though =P

 

[cloud jaguar]

I have a question about Lutea Minor* What special care (food, humidity, temp, diapause, etc. ) does this desert species require - I would really like to have one of these and am wondering in advance what its needs are. Not trying to hijack your post Xenomantis - perhaps you might like this species too

 

[Xenomantis]

It's no problem, Arkanis.

 

[Christian]

Do you refer to Litaneutria minor? This is not a strictly a desert, but a grassland species. I never bred it so I cannot tell you details. Probably they have to be kept like the Old-World Geomantis and Ameles.