Tarachodula pantherina  (Gerstaecker, 1869) –
Panther Mantis

Introduction

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Tarachodula are in the subfamily Tarachodinae, the African bark mantises. Like their relatives, T. pantherina is an adept bark and stick predator. Pressing itself flat on branches and rapidly rushing after prey that land or climb nearby. While their forelimbs are small, they are incredibly aggressive and have powerful mandibles and that make quick work of any item that’s captured. Bright green eyes, and spotted patterns lend this mantis a very unique look.

 

Males in this genus have full wings as adults, but females have only tiny wings, meaning they are apterous. The females are completely flightless. Their winglessness is actually due to a behavioral adaptation. Females are excellent mothers, and will sit on their eggs until they hatch. Protecting them from predators, parasites, and the elements!

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Sexing

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As with all mantises, males have 8 external sternites, and females have 6. Adult males have full wings, adult females have very short wings.

 

Keeping

 

Tarachodula can be kept communally for the beginning of their lives, however it is important to keep sizable amount of space and food. They are territorial so ample space should be provided. It is a necessity to keep a stick or branch with this species. They have trouble hanging on perfectly flat surfaces and feel more comfortable with a stick or branch to cling to. They should be offered water regularly, as they are from habitat with somewhat regular rainfall. This species cannot climb plastic well, so provide ample climbing material.

 

 

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

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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 branch 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. It’s important to feed the female during this time, as females are very aggressive. The male grips the female very tightly, so be sure she is not too full during mating. There is a heavy risk to the female that the male punctures her soft abdomen.  

 

Once mating begins, they will mate for anywhere from 6 – 12 hours. After mating is finished, a large spermatophore should be visible in the females Terminalia. Females will lay an oothecae after 1 – 2 weeks, containing anywhere from 30 – 80 nymphs. After an incubation period of 3 – 6 weeks at 60 – 70% humidity, they will emerge at once (though in rare cases it may take up to a few days). On emergence nymphs are extremely quick and need a lot of perches, be sure to provide excelsior to avoid stress.