Description
Scientific Name: Pseudoharpax virescens
Lifespan: Roughly 4 months
Two eye markings on the dorsal side of the female adult’s abdomen gave the species its name. Pseudoharpax virescens imitates floral motifs. They have pointed eyes and are primarily white with green wings.
This type of praying mantis has glossy green wings, a back that ranges in colour from mid-green to dark green, and a white to creamy underside to its body. Adult P. virescens mantis also have an orange patch under the wings, as well as some pink accents. The adult mantis’ hind wings are a vivid crimson colour. Predators are intentionally made to be confused by their red wings. When the mantis expands its wings, its vivid red colour can fool a predator even if it appears green when it is resting.
Habitat
The praying mantis species known as Pseudoharpax virescens, sometimes known as the Gambian spotted-eye flower mantis, is a native of western, central, and eastern Africa.
Behavior
For its size, Pseudoharpax virescens is extremely “confident.” They attack larger than themselves prey with ease. If a prey is seen, the normal vibrating hunting walk is used to chase it. The vibration makes the mantis appear more like a predator than a predatory creature, like a leaf or branch swaying in the wind. When it gets close enough to its victim, it will rapidly catch it.
Keeping as a Pet/ In Captivity
The preferred temperature is roughly 24 °C, but it can range from 20 °C to 30 °C. You can let the temperature drop to about 17 ° C at night.
This species needs humidity levels between 50 and 70 percent. This is accomplished for the majority of cages by sprinkling with clean water every three days. The airflow of your terrarium will determine how frequently you need to mist; better ventilation requires more spraying.
This kind of praying mantis needs an enclosure that is at least three times its length in height and at least twice its length in width, as do all other varieties. A relatively calm species of praying mantis is called Deroplatys desiccata. They are easily ‘scared’ by enormous prey or their owner’s hand, which causes them to flee frantically or act dead (play dead). The mantis will lie immobile on the ground with its legs spread out or folded throughout this exhibition. Even when you touch them, they do not move. Sometimes they abruptly stand up and begin to flee. When threatened, adult Deroplatys desiccata can also spread its wings. A deimatic display like this one serves as a deterrent to predators.
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