Idolomantis diabolica/feeding red runners

[KevinsWither]

Is it possible to rear idolomantis diabolica on flies/red runner roaches? 

 

[T.C.]

Not sure on the roaches, but yes on the flies from my experience.

 

[hibiscusmile]

I would be afraid to use the roaches, but who knows I think in the wild if it was around it would eat what walked or fly by.

 

[Sarah K]

Idolos really need flies. I have noticed that mine won't even go after flies unless they "fly" in front of them, and then they catch them from the air! They seem opposed to even grabbing them when they "crawl" in front of them, so I imagine roaches would not work very well, but I have not really tried personally. 

 

[DeShawn]

Mine are raised mostly on flies and red runners, and I will be trying banded crickets here next week (I know, sacrilege!).  They prefer fast moving insects, so flying insects catch their eye the best.  They will eat red runners, but often have trouble catching things on the ground (striking but missing).  Mine don't seem to have any issues running red runners down.  Their fast movement attracts them.  If the roach walks by slowly, they will ignore it.  If the roach runs and the idolo sees and starts chasing toward it, it will try and catch it even if the roach stops.

I have noticed all of them will take flying insects and most will take ground prey, but I do run into a few that will ignore ground prey unless they get fairly hungry.

 

[Pseudoharpax]

They can be fed roaches, but not as the only source of food. Moreover, they can cause the female to produce deformed ooths. I'd suggest you feeding flys!