Devil's Mare Mantid - empusa fusciata

[cloud jaguar]

Hi I was wondering if anyone knew where I could find a care sheet about Devil's Mare Mantid - or if anyone could share info about it. I understand it comes from mediterannean region or israel. To me it looks kind of like violin but not as creepy, lol.

Also does anyone know about purchasing these in the US? Thanks.

~Arkanis

 

[Giosan]

Hey,

It's Empusa fasciata

Empusa sp. aren't the easiest to breed you know! They need a lot of care, especially because they need a diapause. Do you have experience with mantids?

 

[cloud jaguar]

Hi Giosan, thanks for your reply. I am new to mantids - I have 2 Statmomantis and learning more. I plan on raising a Chinese ooth and a Ghost ooth for a small colony before getting into more needy varieties. Regarding E. Fasciata, I am really interested in finding a care sheet and whether or not there are breeders who sell them in USA. Not really into buying it yet as I need more experience. I am just curious if it is sold domestically since I have not seen it available by any dealiers.

 

[Christian]

It's not available because it's hard to breed. I tried E. pennata but was only successful for 2 generations. Palearctic Empusa species need a diapause as subadults in winter.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Christian, I couldn't even raise 5 till adults, what did u mean by they need a diapause as subadults in winter?

 

[Christian]

These Mediterranean species overwinter as subadult nymphs. You have to initiate a diapause in fall by reducing light duration and, later, temperature gradually. The temps depend on the origin, usually about 1-10° C. In spring, you have to gradually end diapause, so they can become adult and copulate. Females get somewhat cannibalistic as adults and males have to be paired until they are two weeks old. All this stuff doesn't ease the breeding success. Ooth are laid in summer, and larvae hatch about July, have to be kept hot and dry until next fall. And so on. Definitely no beginner species.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Thanks Christian, who knew! I love the look of them, but unless I find better help (or any for that matter) this species is not for me. I do not have that kind of time, patience or memory :lol: for something so hard.