Devil Flower Mantis is a photograph by Leslie Crotty which was uploaded on October 12th, 2014.
Devil Flower Mantis
This species originate from all over Asia and Africa in countries such as Egypt, Algeria, India, Pakistan and Turkey. Females rarely exceed lengths... more
Title
Devil Flower Mantis
Artist
Leslie Crotty
Medium
Photograph
Description
This species originate from all over Asia and Africa in countries such as Egypt, Algeria, India, Pakistan and Turkey. Females rarely exceed lengths of 21/2" and the males approximately 11/4" to 11/2". I purchased this Devil Flower Mantis on the internet as a 1st star hatchling, only about 1/2" in length. I raised it to it's full adult size which took about 7 weeks in a small five gallon plastic container feeding it live fruit flies with the help of my stepson Orville. He is a nature lover and without him, this photograph would have never happened! After reaching his adult size I brought him to my photo studio to photograph. I set up a dark black background, a small prop for him to stand on and used a 140 macro lens, #2 extension tube and a #1 softar filter bringing the mantis only about 2" from my camera lens! He was looking straight into the camera lens when I clicked the shutter, resulting in this great closeup. They are so different and unique compared to the praying mantis which you might see in your backyard and as you can see in this photo "he has a little devil in him", as he is named "The Devil Flower Mantis". An easy way of determining female from the male is the appearance of the antennae. The males have more feathery, split antennae, and the females, long, thin and straight. This mantis requires high temperatures and low humidity. It's color is lime green with white wings. When hanging on a branch or screen lid it mimics a dried leaf swaying in the wind camouflaging itself and blending in with its surroundings. They can be housed with other's of it's own kind as long as food is plentiful, but why take a chance. There is also a possibility of cannibalism. This mantis can be kept as a pet and is a good mantis for a beginner or anybody interested in raising one from a hatchling. It was a great experience for me raising it with my stepson Orville and then having the opportunity to photograph it in it's adult stage! Everyone should have this experience at least once in their lifetime to see what nature is all about!
Uploaded
October 12th, 2014
