P. wahlbergii (Spiny Flower Mantis)

Pseudocreobotra (Flower Mantis)

 * Level: Beginner
 * Native Habitat: Southern and Eastern Africa
 * Common Names
 * Spiny Flower Mantis

Captive Habitat

 * Enclosure Type:  Arboreal; The enclosure should be at least 3 times the height of the mantis (space taken up by substrate does not count towards this) and 2 times the width. Make sure the container is very well ventilated and if possible have cross ventilation. There should be at least 1 stick that reaches to the top of the enclosure for the mantis to perch on but if possible ad adkfj ddi youknow that ajsfdaksdfjadf d extra sticks and maybe even a plant to give your mantis some extra enrichment. The top of the enclosure should be made from some sort of fabric mesh (many types of fabric will work) which the mantis can hang upside down from. Do not use metal mesh as it can be dangerous and potentially rip off the mantises leg when it tries to molt or move around. Enclosures made out of 32 oz. deli cups or from large plastic jars are popular and inexpensive options. Exo Terras are also a good option if you want to spend the money and they can look incredible once set up. Exo terras do have metal mesh on the top so it is recommended you remove that and replace it with a mesh made of fabric.
 * Substrate: Coco fiber or sphagnum moss are both easy to obtain and and good options for substrate. If using either of these options make sure to spot clean poop daily and completely change the substrate every 6 months. It is also possible to do a bioactive set up which can go years without needing any type of substrate change and will not need to be spot cleaned as the clean-up crew will take care of the poop and mold. Research how to set up a bioactive enclosure if you are interested in this option.
 * Conditions: Moist but well ventilated to prevent fungal growth.
 * Humidity: 45-65%
 * Temp: 72-85*F(22-30*C)

Husbandry

 * Temperament: While the species is aggressive-defensive they are not particularly dangerous, they are delicate but may be handled cautiously.
 * Behavior: As ambush predators this species spends much of its life setting very still, but don't be fooled these mantis can move quite quickly. When this species feels threatened the will assume a threat display show the vibrant color and pattern of their wings.
 * Size: Adult males can reach 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) while adult females can reach 1.75 inches (4.45 cm).
 * Social: No; this species is highly cannibalistic. Young nymphs can be housed together temporary.
 * Life span: 10-14 mo. (Keeping the mantis in higher temperatures and feeding it more often can speed up maturity. Females usually live longer than males).
 * Feeding: L1-L4 should be fed fruit flies. L5-Adult can be fed green/bluebottle flies, house flies, dubia roaches, red runner roaches, meal worms, or wax worms but green/blue bottle and house flies are the best option. While it is possible to feed crickets, they can contain harmful bacteria which could potentially kill your mantis so they should be avoided if possible. This mantis should be fed every other day until it reaches subadult. Subadults-Adults should be fed twice a week.