Pnigomantis medioconstricta (Westwood, 1889) – Indonesian Double Shield Mantis

Introduction

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P. medioconstricta  is the lion of the mantis world. Large, powerful, and the apex insect predator of their island, there is little these large mantises won’t go after. They have incredibly powerful raptorials, which, combined with their aggressive nature, makes them incredible hunters. This species is the largest species in the island of Flores, Indonesia.

 

The Indonesian double shield is named for the two circularly shaped shields on the back of the prothorax. These little double shields are what also gave this species its epithet “medioconstricta” – meaning constricted middle. While certainly a very unique trait only found in this species, the colors this species exhibits are also incredible. Nymphs can be anywhere from brown, to grey to green, with pink and purple tones accented in the eyes, raptors, and abdomens. Quite a subtly beautiful species!!!

 

Their large size, aggressive nature, and surprising ease of care make them a must have for a large insect enthusiast. They are absolutely the masters of the jungles they come from, and adults are even capable of taking down mice, snakes, and small birds in the wild. Do not underestimate this species’ power!

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Sexing

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AAs with all mantises, males have 8 external sternites, and females have 6. Males have an extra middle spine on the bottom of their abdomen (6 spines in the middle row vs the female’s 5).

 

Keeping

 

Pnigomantis cannot be kept communally. This species is aggressive from a young age and will cannibalize siblings if given the chance. Do not hesitate to feed them slightly larger prey, these powerful and aggressive mantises will be happy to run after and tackle most things. Because this species is very heavy in the last few molts. Net cubes are recommended to help prevent falling mid molt.

 

Recommended space is as follows:

 

Instar 1 – 3: 8 oz Deli Cup

Instar 4 - 7: 32 oz Deli Cup

Instar 7 – 9: Net cube

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Feeding

 

Instar 1 - 3  – Drosophila species

Instar 4 – Adult – Houseflies, Blue bottle flies, Crickets, Roaches

 

Breeding

 

This species can be medium difficulty due to the female’s aggressiveness when it comes to breeding. Females are able to eat quite a bit of food making mating a challenge for this species, as females that appear full will readily cannibalize their mates. There are ways however to circumvent this. Males mature at 3 - 4 weeks adult, and females take between 4 – 6 weeks. It is recommended to have multiple males on hand per female.

 

Follow standard mantis mating procedures. Place the male first on a surface then the female about 8 inches away. Prod her to move and once the male sees her, feed her to distract her from the male’s approach. Once the male mounts continue to feed once she finishes her prey item. Mating will last anywhere from 8 – 18 hours. After mating the female will lay an oothecae every 5 – 6 weeks. Each oothecae will contain anywhere from 70 – 150 nymphs depending on size. After 4 – 6 weeks of incubation at room temperature and 60 – 70% humidity, each oothecae will hatch many nymphs over the course of a few days. Scout nymphs are common with this species.. They can be fed drosophila melanogaster after 24 – 36 hours