Tenodera Aridifolia Sinensis Care sheet
© Mike Lee 1999
Introduction:
Tenodera Aridifolia Sinensis is known more commonly by the name "Chinese praying mantis". It is one of the largest of more than 1800 species of praying mantis identified thus far. A full-grown adult Sinensis may reach 4-5 inches in length. All praying mantises are predatory in nature with most feeding exclusively on insects, although there are unconfirmed reports of adult Sinensis feeding on small birds. Most mantids are tropical, but the Chinese mantis can be found in temperate climates at latitudes above N40 . The color of a young Chinese mantis ranges between brown with darker spots/patterns to bright green. Some may develop a dark red stripe on each side of the abdomen. Most adult Chinese mantis are light brown with a light teal or green stripe on the side of the wings.

Life cycle:
The Chinese mantis hatches out from its brown styrofoam like egg case in early June or after being in temperatures higher than 75F (~24C) for more than 2 to 3 weeks. Each egg case will usually produce 50-100 mantids. The larvae molt for the first time immediately after leaving the egg case to producing a miniature praying mantis. Their size at this point is just under 1/2 inch (~ 1 cm). They'll feed almost immediately on small insects such as aphids or fruit flies. These mantids can easily eat any insect that is approximately the size of their heads, but sometime will tackle prey that's much larger. Under ideal conditions these mantids will molt about once a week until they reach their 5th molt, then they'll molt less frequently (about once every 2-3 weeks). At the 6th molt they are usually just under 3 inches in length (~7.5cm), and the 2 pairs of wings will begin to develop. They will go through 7 molts before the wings are fully developed. The males will be able to fly, but the females are usually too laden with eggs for true flight. Sexing young Sinensis is difficult, but once full grown it becomes very obvious that the females are much fatter than males. Furthermore, the female will have an egg laying apparatus on her tail that looks like a short tube. Since most mantids are parthenogenic, a male is not required for the eggs to develop; however, all resulting offsprings will be female in this case. A female in good condition will usually produce 6 egg cases (called oothecas) before the end of its life cycle in October or November. In captivity some Sinensis have been known to live until January, but none will live past spring. The oothecas can be stored in the refrigerator until spring or may be hatched by incubation under temperature in excess of 75F.

Important captivity requirements:
1. These mantids do drink, so always have a source of clean water available. A sponge in a small dish of water works well. They also prefer humidity above 60%. Spraying with a fine mist daily is recommended.

2. Keep the temperature between 70-85F. It's best to provide a gradient of temperature, so the mantis can select the most optimal temperature for itself. A low wattage incandescent bulb at one end of the cage will do nicely.

3. Always provide a suitable branch, a stick with rough texture, or even netting at a height of 3 times body length for proper molting to occur, but too much clutter may prevent prey capture. Damaged limbs will regenerate in subsequent molting.

4. To avoid injury to the mantis, feed with insects no larger than twice the head of the mantis.

5. Although somewhat delicate, the Sinensis can and should be handled often. Don't try to pickup a mantis, because you might hurt it. Instead let it walk onto you hand, and then you can guide it with your other hand.

Copyrighted by Mike Lee 1999
This Care sheet may be printed and freely distributed however it must be distributed in its entirety and remain Copyrighted to the author. This Care sheet may not be distributed for money or as part of a publication (electronic or otherwise) for which people must pay unless express permission is gained from the Author. (http://www.jps.net/meel/mantis)