Sibylla pretiosa (Cryptic Pretty Mantis)

[Orin]

Sibylla pretiosa (Cryptic Pretty Mantis)​

Introduction:

Nymphs are cryptic contortionists that can be very difficult to see on wood or mossy surfaces. Sometimes they'll lie on the bottom of the cage and appear dead but it's easy to recognize this particular pose. Adults grow to nearly two inches in length and are outfitted with pastel green tegmina.(Orin)

• Native range
• Difficulty level: beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert

Development:

Nymphs mature in three to four months when fed N. cinerea but can take twice as long if fed only flies.(Orin)

[A male]rarely lives more than six weeks after the final molt.(Orin)

Behavior/temperament:

• Degree of activity
• Degree of aggression or timidity
• Propensity to cannibalize
• Dynamics of threat display

Captive Environment:

Despite tolerance to desiccation they should be misted once a day and kept well-vented. Nymphs are often housed communally through the late instars.(Orin)

• Type and size of enclosure(s) used.
• Substrate or lack thereof
• Cage furnishings, e.g. molting surfaces, perches, décor, plants, etc.

Feeding:

This species eats nearly any prey but even adult females shouldn't be given something as large as an adult cricket. Nymphs mature in three to four months when fed N. cinerea but can take twice as long if fed only flies.(Orin)

Breeding:

Mating is usually not dangerous for the male if minimal precautions are taken. The difficulty is he rarely lives more than six weeks after the final molt.(Orin)

• Sexing/sexual dimorphism (explanation of physical differences and/or adult sizes of the sexes)
• Time needed from last molt to copulation
• Tips: give us your methodology.
• Tips for inducing copulation and fecundity
• Tips for inducing female to lay oothecae

Oothecae:

The small oothecae are yellow and hold twenty to forty eggs each.(Orin)

• Diapause if necessary
• Incubation time and temperature

Optional:

• Health Issues: infections or illnesses encountered.
• Additional Observations: pertinent information which doesn't neatly fit anywhere else.
• Photos: up to five may be posted at the bottom of the completed template. Please limit these photos to no more than one of an ootheca, two of nymphs(different instars), one of an adult female, and one of an adult male.

Contributors: jamurfjr, Orin​

 

[agent A]

Sibylla pretiosa (Cryptic Pretty Mantis)
Introduction:

Nymphs are cryptic contortionists that can be very difficult to see on wood or mossy surfaces. Sometimes they'll lie on the bottom of the cage and appear dead but it's easy to recognize this particular pose. Adults grow to nearly two inches in length and are outfitted with pastel green tegmina.(Orin)

• Native range: Africa
• Difficulty level: beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert: intermediate, and I'll explain why later

Development:

Nymphs mature in three to four months when fed N. cinerea but can take twice as long if fed only flies.(Orin)

[A male]rarely lives more than six weeks after the final molt.(Orin)

Nymphs are linky at hatching and probably won't take to D. hydei right away, even though most species with their adult size do. I generally feed them D. melanogaster and gradually introduce the larger fruit fly species a week or so in. Don't keep nymphs too crowded or toss in too many fruit flies at once.
As nymphs grow a bit larger, they get a bit more bold in what size prey they take, but be patient with them. Initial development is rapid, with only 2 weeks between molts, but the final 2 instars can take over a month each. Females have an extra instar. I find that a consistent long day and regular misting helps keep them going at a steady pace, because this species tends to have a seasonal dry season diapause as presubadults.

Behavior/temperament:

• Degree of activity: relatively active. They do not eat extra to accommodate this however.
• Degree of aggression or timidity: these are neurotic, and aren't easy to handle
• Propensity to cannibalize: I've not had too many issues with cannibalism, but I did have a male bite and kill his mate once! These are often easy to keep in groups, but as always, if you have a limited number, you shouldn't house them communally!
• Dynamics of threat display: these flee, not threaten

Captive Environment:

Despite tolerance to desiccation they should be misted once a day and kept well-vented. Nymphs are often housed communally through the late instars.(Orin)

• Type and size of enclosure(s) used.: 32oz deli cup
• Substrate or lack thereof: I never use substrate
• Cage furnishings, e.g. molting surfaces, perches, décor, plants, etc.: Fake plant across rim of deli cup will suffice.

Feeding:

This species eats nearly any prey but even adult females shouldn't be given something as large as an adult cricket. Nymphs mature in three to four months when fed N. cinerea but can take twice as long if fed only flies.(Orin)
As with all generalist predators, dietary variety is important for good health!

Breeding:

Mating is usually not dangerous for the male if minimal precautions are taken. The difficulty is he rarely lives more than six weeks after the final molt.(Orin)

• Sexing/sexual dimorphism (explanation of physical differences and/or adult sizes of the sexes)
• Time needed from last molt to copulation: about a week
• Tips: give us your methodology.
• Tips for inducing copulation and fecundity
• Tips for inducing female to lay oothecae

Oothecae:

The small oothecae are yellow and hold twenty to forty eggs each.(Orin)

• Diapause if necessary
• Incubation time and temperature: about 5 weeks at 75F

Optional:

• Health Issues: infections or illnesses encountered.
• Additional Observations: pertinent information which doesn't neatly fit anywhere else.
• Photos: up to five may be posted at the bottom of the completed template. Please limit these photos to no more than one of an ootheca, two of nymphs(different instars), one of an adult female, and one of an adult male.