Dragon Mantis
Stenpophylla lobivertex also called the Dragon Mantis, is a newer species to the United States. They have one of the most unique appearances with a long an slender body. This Species is still fairly new and not well studied as they are found in the dense rain forests of Peru.
They are a fairly small species reaching 1.5-2 inches as an adult.
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 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.
