Heterochaeta orientalis (Stal) – Giant African Stick/Cat Eye Mantis

Introduction

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Heterochaeta are rarely seen in the wild. Hiding amongst the dense vegetation of the African savannah, these cryptic mantises capture prey without detection. H. orientalis is an African relative of the mythical dragon mantises (Toxodera) and bear many resemblances. They have long raised eyes which end in a point, as well as very long forelimbs. Their cerci are feather like, and their eyes have a rainbow of color. Adults and older juveniles are adorned with numerous spines along their forelimbs, and their legs are mottled to mimic dried branches.

These gentle giants are indeed excellent predators; however, they are also phenomenal in communal set ups. Their desire to go after smaller prey and low aggression to others of their species means they make excellent group mantises for a vivarium display, or to set up a breeding colony. Cannibalism rates are very low, and they can easily subsist on a diet of blue bottle flies.

This species is well known for its extremely large size. Even among the mantis hobby giants (Giant Asians, Giant Africans) few can match this species in length. As first instars, they are incredibly long and their size makes them extremely hardy as they are able to easily consume most prey. Once a prey item is spotted, Heterochaeta uses its long body and reach to strike an unsuspecting prey item quickly and effortlessly. This species is quite unique and is an absolute treat to raise.

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Sexing

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As with all mantises, males have 8 external sternites, and females have 6.

 

Keeping

 

Heterochaeta are not an aggressive species and keeping individuals communally is fine Males and females both have 8 molts. It is highly recommended to have sticks and other perches to allow individuals to have their own space.

 

Recommended space is as follows:

 

Instar 1 – 3: 16 oz Deli Cup

Instar 4 – Adult: 12 x 12 x 12 Net cube (up to 2 adults per 12 x 12 x 12 net cube).

 

Using the metric above, an appropriate amount of space should be provided for communal setups to minimalize cannibalism.

 

Feeding

 

Instar 1 - 2  – Drosophila species

Instar 3 – Adult – Houseflies, Blue bottle flies, Small Crickets, Roaches

 

Breeding

 

Heterochaeta are somewhat difficult to mate, the standard way, as males can be skittish and show no interest when disturbed. Instead, it is recommended to leave males and females together in a communal set up with plenty of food, and copulation will take place when both are ready. Usually this takes about 4 – 6 weeks for both sexes.

 

After mating the female will lay anywhere from 6 - 8 oothecae over her lifetime around every 4 - 6 weeks. Females prefer to lay on branches if possible, but they will lay on other flat surfaces. After a period of 4 – 6 weeks incubation, at 70% RH around 20 – 40 nymphs will hatch per oothecae. At this size they will be able to eat  Drosophila hydei.