Spiny Flower Mantis
Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii or commonly called the Spiny flower mantis is a very unique looking mantis that starts out black mimicking the appearance of an ant and turns white and green as it molts. They have spines on the underside of their abdomen given them their name. Nymphs can come in a range of colors from pink, purples, yellows and reds
Spiny flower mantis are native to southern and eastern Africa. As adults they develop a black, green and yellow spiral on its wings in the shape of a 9.
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.
