Rhombodera  Megaera (Burmeister) – Asian Shield Mantis

Introduction

​

Rhombodera is pretty closely related to Hierodula Burmeister. Both these species often overlap in range, however over their development they become clearly different. Rhombodera has an enlarged prothorax, and while it varies in size, most members have a circular expansion, lending them the common name, shield mantis. These mantises are large, aggressive, and boast an amazing array of colors. The underside of their shield often has different shades of green, blue, and even purple.

 

These large mantises use their shield to help mimic living leaves, and often sit atop or amongst leaves to camouflage. It comes in especially handy when they press down on their substrate and prevent detection. Really awesome animals! Their awesome appearance combined with their strong feeding response and relative ease of care make them an ideal beginner mantis species. Just like their close relatives, the Hierodula, these large mantises are powerful and eat frogs, small birds, snakes, and lizards in the wild.

​

Sexing

​

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

 

Keeping

 

Rhombodera can be kept communally for the beginning of their lives, however it is important to keep sizable amount of space and food. They are readily cannibalistic after second instar and will not hesitate to eat their siblings if there is not ample food available. They prefer to have ample space and need solid grip in order to molt as they age, as they become incredibly heavy and susceptible to falling mid molt. Shelf liner, mesh, or cork bark is recommended to prevent such mismolts.

 

Recommended space is as follows:

 

Instar 1 – 3: 8 oz Deli Cup

Instar 4 - 7: 32 oz Deli Cup

Instar 8 – Adult: 80oz Cup or Bigger

​

Feeding

 

Instar 1 - 3  – Drosophila species

Instar 3 – 6 – Houseflies, Small Crickets, Roaches

Instar 6 – Adult – Blue bottle Flies, Crickets, Roaches

 

Breeding

 

Standard mantis mating practices will suffice for this genus. Place the male on a surface and give him some time to calm down. Once both the male and female are 3 – 4 weeks old, mating can occur. Place he female around 6 – 8 inches away from him and prod her to move. Once the male sees the female he will watch her carefully and attempt to get in a position to mount. Its important to feed the female during this time, as females are very aggressive.

 

Once mating begins, they will mate for anywhere from 6 – 12 hours. Females will lay a massive oothecae after 1 – 2 weeks, containing anywhere from 80 – 200 nymphs. After an incubation period of 4 – 6 weeks at 70 – 80% humidity, they will emerge of the period of 2 – 3 days (though in rare cases it may take up to a week).