Orchid Mantis
Hymenopus Coronatus or commonly called the Orchid Mantis is one of the most popular mantids in the hobby with their beautiful white and pink appearance. They perfectly mimic flowers down to the petal shapes on their legs. Its natural habitat consists of white and pink flowers in bushes and small trees. Females are also over twice the size of the males.
Orchid mantis range in several countries in South East asian but most from the trade originate from Indonesia or Malaysia. There are distinct differences between the two groups and though considered the same species currently, they are incapable of crossbreeding
Feeding
lying 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.
Crickets and meal worms can cause health problems and should be avoided.
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.
