Information on the Orchid Mantis
If you love the exotic look of orchids, the orchid mantis is a creature you may find beautiful as well. This insect, found in the rain forests of Asia, is colorful and intricately shaped, and can even be kept as a pet. Does this Spark an idea?
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Description
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The orchid mantis has two sets of hind legs that are shaped like the petals of the orchid flower. The insect also has the ability to change into the color of its surroundings, to help it camouflage into its surroundings and avoid detection by predators. Orchid mantises are mostly white but can morph to shades of pink and purple. Female mantises can grow to about 2 1/2 inches long, while males reach about 1 1/2 inches.
Life Span
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The female orchid mantis usually lives for about eight months. They are very aggressive and should not be kept in the company of other orchid mantises until it is time to mate. Male mantises have a shorter life span, surviving for up to six months.
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Considerations
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If you're keeping orchid mantises as pets, it's important to feed them correctly in order for them to thrive and live as long as possible. Young mantises need a diet of small insects such as pinhead crickets. The adult orchid mantis' diet consists of crickets as well, along with larger "meals" like moths and butterflies. Crickets, and sometimes moths and butterflies, can be purchased at pet stores. Adult mantises will also eat small bits of banana.
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References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
