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Panther Mantis
Tarachodula pantherina or commonly called the Panther Mantis is a beautiful small species. Reaching only about 2 inches, they have vibrant spotted and striped patterns along their legs and abdomen with a red underside. Panther mantis are an aggressive species capable of catching insects much larger than themselves. They prefer to use branches and sticks to climb and blend in with their surroundings.
They originating from Africa in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia
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.
