Wandering Violin Mantis

Wandering Violin Mantis key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Adults 3-5 months

Size

Females about 10cm, males about 9cm (up to 11cm)

Temperature

Diet

Flying insects only such as flies and moths (fruit flies for nymphs)

Temperature & Humidity

30-40C by day, ideally around 35C, best achieved with a heat bulb; nights may drop to about 20C. Keep humidity low, misting every three days in a mesh cage or once a week in glass.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Pairs housed together mate on their own once adult for at least two weeks. A female stores sperm from one mating for all later oothecae. Each holds 30-40 eggs; raise humidity slightly before hatching, which takes 4-7 weeks.

Cohabitation

Preferring flying prey and low in aggression, it is one of the few species that can live in groups for life when well fed. Cannibalism can still occur when hungry, especially among young nymphs.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

Sensitive to temperature, food quality and humidity, it is hard even to rear to adulthood.

Health & Notes

Feed only live flies (fruit flies for nymphs, house flies later) every day or two. Tweezer-feeding crickets is said to cause ill health, and too many flies in the cage stress the mantis.

About Wandering Violin Mantis

The Wandering Violin Mantis is a large, docile mantis from India and Sri Lanka with leaf-like body flanges. It can be kept in groups but needs high heat, dry air, and fly feeding, making it best suited to experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Wandering Violin Mantis

1. 1Maintain Heat and Dryness

   Wandering Violin Mantises thrive in hot, dry conditions around 35°C. Use a heat panel to keep temperatures stable, and choose a well-ventilated enclosure to prevent excess humidity.

2. 2Feed It Flies

   Its preferred food is flies, such as fruit flies or houseflies, rather than crickets or other common feeder insects. Set up a reliable supply of flies before bringing one home, since consistent feeding is essential.

3. 3Choose a Tall Enclosure

   With its long, slender, leaf-like body, this mantis does best in a tall enclosure furnished with branches or plants for climbing. Make sure there is enough vertical space for it to hang safely while molting.

4. 4Communal Housing Is Possible

   Unusually for a mantis, this species has a calm temperament and can sometimes be housed together in groups. Even so, the risk of cannibalism is not zero, so monitor feeding levels and individual condition closely.

5. 5Handle Molting with Care

   Being large-bodied yet delicate, this mantis is prone to fatal molting accidents. Provide ample height, secure climbing surfaces, and stable temperature and humidity, and avoid disturbing the enclosure during a molt.

6. 6Use a Dry Substrate

   Since this species dislikes excess moisture, a quick-drying substrate is better than a highly water-retentive one like sphagnum moss. Mist lightly to leave a few droplets on the body and leaves, and avoid letting the substrate stay damp.

7. 7Best Suited to Experienced Keepers

   Because it requires sustained high heat, low humidity, and a steady supply of flies, this mantis suits keepers who already have some insect-keeping experience. Before bringing one home, set up a thermometer, hygrometer, and feeding supplies in advance.

Frequently asked questions about Wandering Violin Mantis

Q.Can beginners keep a Wandering Violin Mantis?

A.This species requires stable high heat and a steady supply of flies, so it is generally considered suited to experienced keepers rather than beginners. It is a good idea to gain some basic insect-keeping experience first.

Q.Can it be housed with other mantises?

A.This is one of the few mantis species known for a calm temperament that allows communal housing. Still, the risk of cannibalism is not zero, so keep an eye on feeding amounts, group size, and enclosure space.

Q.Can I feed it crickets instead of flies?

A.It tends to respond better to flies than to crickets, so flies are typically used as its main food. It is best to set up a reliable way to supply flies before bringing one home.

Q.How big does it grow?

A.Adults typically reach about 10 cm for females and 9 cm for males, with some individuals growing up to 11 cm. Because of its slender shape, it needs more vertical space than its length alone might suggest.

Q.Can I handle it?

A.Despite its calm nature, its large, delicate body means excessive handling can cause injury or molting problems. It is best to enjoy watching it and keep direct handling to a minimum.

Useful tools for Wandering Violin Mantis care

Learn more about Wandering Violin Mantis in the encyclopedia

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