Cat Eye Mantis
Heterochaeta orientalis or the Cat Eye Mantis, named so for its pointed slanted eyes, is one of the largest species of mantis around. They can reach up to 6 inches long! They are a stick mimic species so they are very long and slender. Their fragile appearance can be deceiving as they are expert hunters. Unlike many species, they are quite communal and can be kept together easily with enough space and food. Slow growing and longed lived, they are one of the more difficult species due to there size and enviormental requirements.
Cat eye mantids are native to central Africa
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Feeding
Flying insects are the preferred source of food. As nymphs fruit flies are the ideal food source and increase to house flies and blue/green bottle flies as they get larger. They also will enjoy moths or other harmless flying insects. It’s recommended that the size of the feeder insect does not exceed 1/2 the mantis length.
Adults can eat crickets or roaches however they don’t often climb up high enough to where the mantis is hiding and go uneaten. Most pet stores sell fruit flies and wax worms that can be grown into moths. Larger flies can found easily from online suppliers or sometimes from bait shops.
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