How long will mantises eat fruit flies?

[kbfprivate]

I have a Chinese mantis that has molted 3 times in the last few weeks and is now about 2.5 inches long. A few weeks ago, s/he went crazy over the wingless fruit flies. I would dump in about 20-30 and then repeat a few days later. Over the last week, I haven't been seeing the mantis catch and eat any of them. She molted a few days ago. Could it be that she is full? Has she outgrown the fruit flies and do I need to start buying the small crickets?

Thanks!

Noah

 

[sporeworld]

That or houseflies.

 

[guapoalto049]

If its 2.5 inches long, he/she is way past fruit flies. Try bluebottle flies, roaches, or crickets. A good rule of thumb is 1-2 times the size of the mantid's head = good sized food.

 

[Rick]

I'd go with bluebottle flies for mantids of that size.

 

[kbfprivate]

Thanks all for the quick responses. I've been very excited to see my little guy grow up over the last few weeks. The last mantis I had was fully grown when my wife brought her home.

 

[sporeworld]

I'd go with bluebottle flies for mantids of that size.

+1. Didn't realize how large we were talking about.