In the vast realm of the insect world, there are remarkable creatures that captivate our imagination, and the praying mantis is undeniably one of them. Within this diverse group, we encounter the intriguing genus called Didymocorypha, boasting a collection of small mantids with a distinctive longish body. Their unique characteristics, including long cerci and a horned head, set them apart in the world of insects.
Today, let’s take a closer look at one fascinating member of this genus – the enigmatic Didymocorypha lanceolata, more commonly known as the Indian Horned Mantis.
Description of Didymocorypha lanceolata
Physical Characteristics
- Size and Appearance: The Indian Horned Mantis, Didymocorypha lanceolata, showcases a slight difference in size between the genders. The males typically measure around 3 centimeters in length, while their female counterparts boast a slightly larger stature, reaching about 3.5 centimeters. Despite their petite size, these mantids exude a sense of grace and elegance, making them stand out in the world of insects.
- Unique Featuresd: One cannot help but marvel at the distinct characteristics that make the Indian Horned Mantis truly exceptional. Its long cerci, those slender extensions at the tip of its abdomen, add a touch of finesse to its appearance. Moreover, the striking horned head sets this species apart, giving it a regal and formidable air. When observed up close, the intricacies of their design are simply captivating.
Nymph Development
- Nymph Appearance: The nymph development of the Indian Horned Mantis unfolds in a series of instars, each marked by distinct changes in appearance. While insect is L2, it presents the nymphs in a light green hue, featuring striking white-black striped antennas. As they progress to L3, their coloration shifts to yellow or brownish shades, while the stripes on their antennas begin to fade slightly. Subsequent instars, L4 and above, showcase larger nymphs that maintain similar features.
- Notable Behavior: Didymocorypha lanceolata nymphs are renowned for their agility and swift movements. Despite their diminutive size, they demonstrate an impressive ability to dart around their surroundings with remarkable speed. Additionally, these young mantids display a curious behavior—shortly after hatching, they waste no time and commence their feeding journey. Witnessing these tiny creatures displaying such voracious appetites is an awe-inspiring sight and a testament to their resilience in the wild.
Sexing
Sexing male from female Indian Horned Mantises (Didymocorypha lanceolata) can be challenging but essential, especially if you plan to keep them together or breed them. Although there are no striking visual differences between the genders in terms of coloration, there are distinct characteristics to look for to determine their sex.
- Abdominal Segment Count: One of the primary methods for sexing Indian Horned Mantises is by counting the abdominal segments at the bottom of the abdomen. In males, you will typically find eight abdominal segments, while females will have six. This method becomes more reliable as the mantises reach the L5 nymph stage and beyond.
- Wing Structure: The presence of wings can be a clear indicator of gender. Males possess a pair of reduced wings, extending only about three-quarters of their abdomen’s length. These wings are thinner and smaller compared to those of the females. In contrast, female Indian Horned Mantises are wingless, boasting a more robust and rounded shape.
- Antenna Length: Another difference between male and female mantises lies in the length of their antennas. Male mantises usually have exceptionally long antennas compared to the females. Observing the length and structure of the antennas can help in distinguishing the sexes, especially in adult individuals.
Sexing nymphs can be more challenging due to their smaller size and less developed characteristics. However, as they progress through their various nymph stages, it becomes easier to identify the males with their distinguishing traits.
Taxonomy and Distribution
The Indian Horned Mantis, Didymocorypha lanceolata, finds its place within the intricate web of taxonomic classification, showcasing its evolutionary connections and relations within the insect world.
- Super-Order: Dictyoptera
- Order: Mantodea
- Family: Tarachodidae
- Subfamily: Tarachodinae
Belonging to the order Mantodea, which includes all praying mantises, the Indian Horned Mantis, with its unique characteristics and behaviors, falls under the family Tarachodidae. Within this family, it resides in the subfamily Tarachodinae, which houses a diverse array of mantis species, each with its own distinct traits.
Geographic Distribution
The Indian Horned Mantis is fortunate to claim a significant territory across the lush landscapes of the Indian subcontinent. Found primarily in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, these regions serve as the captivating backdrop for the fascinating life cycle and behaviors of this extraordinary species.
Within these countries, the mantises may occupy a variety of habitats, demonstrating their adaptability and resilience to diverse environmental conditions. The varied topography, from dense forests to urban landscapes. You will often find these fascinating creatures perched gracefully on twigs and nestled amidst bushes, where they lie in wait for their unsuspecting prey.
This choice of habitat aligns seamlessly with their unique hunting strategy. With their horned heads and elongated bodies, they blend effortlessly with the foliage, camouflaging themselves expertly among the leaves and branches. Such habitats also offer an ample supply of prey and provide a sense of security, allowing them to thrive within their natural ecosystems.
Keeping in Captivity
Terrarium Setup
- Temperature Requirements: Maintaining the right temperature is crucial to the well-being of the Indian Horned Mantis. During the day, the terrarium temperature should ideally be kept between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). At night, a slightly cooler environment of around 20°C (68°F) is recommended to mimic natural temperature fluctuations.
- Humidity Levels: These mantids thrive in environments with adequate humidity levels. Aim for daytime humidity levels between 60% to 80%, and during the night, keep it slightly higher, ranging from 70% to 80%. To maintain these levels, mist the terrarium regularly with water while being cautious not to make the environment excessively damp.
- Suitable Terrarium Dimensions: For individual mantises, a terrarium size of about 20cm x 20cm x 20cm is sufficient for nymphs up to the L6 stage. As they mature, larger nymphs and adult mantises will require a slightly bigger space of about 25cm x 20cm x 20cm. If you plan to keep a community, ensure there is enough space for each mantis to have its territory and avoid territorial disputes.
Lighting
Recommended Light Length and Light Source for Maintenance: Indian Horned Mantises are accustomed to a regular light-dark cycle. Aim for approximately 12 hours of light exposure daily, followed by 12 hours of darkness. Use halogen lamps or other heating lamps to provide both warmth and light to the terrarium.
Terrarium Decorations and Substrate
- Types of Decorations – Twigs, Bark Sticks, and Plants: Creating a natural and stimulating environment is vital for these mantises. Decorate the terrarium with various types of thin and thicker twigs, bark sticks, and plants with small leaves. These decorations serve multiple purposes, offering climbing opportunities and hiding spots for your mantises.
- Preferred Substrate – Coconut-Humus with Optional Moss Cover: For the substrate, consider using coconut-humus, a material that provides suitable moisture retention. Additionally, you can opt to cover the substrate with moss, which not only adds aesthetic appeal but also helps maintain humidity levels more effectively.
By establishing the right terrarium setup for your Indian Horned Mantis, you’ll create an environment that closely resembles its natural habitat. Providing appropriate temperature, humidity, lighting, and enriching decorations not only ensures their well-being but also offers you the privilege of observing these magnificent creatures as they go about their daily activities.
Mantises need a secure place to hang upside down during molting, allowing them to shed their old exoskeleton and emerge with a fresh, new one. One effective way to facilitate this process is by incorporating a suitable material at the top of the enclosure that the mantis can easily grasp onto. Window screen mesh proves to be an excellent choice for this purpose.
Feeding
Indian Horned Mantises (Didymocorypha lanceolata) are opportunistic predators with a diverse palate when it comes to prey selection. Their preferred food choices include a variety of small insects that are readily available and easy to capture. Some of their preferred food items are:
- Pea-Louses (Aphids): These tiny, soft-bodied insects are a favorite among Indian Horned Mantises due to their abundance and ease of catching. They are often found in gardens and on plants, making them a convenient and nutritious food source.
- Fruit Flies (Drosophila spp.): Fruit flies are small and agile insects that make for excellent prey items for these nimble mantises. Their quick movements provide a challenge for the mantises, encouraging active hunting behaviors.
- Crickets: Small crickets are also a suitable choice for Indian Horned Mantises. They offer a more substantial meal compared to smaller insects, providing essential nutrients for the mantises’ growth and development.
- Firebrats (Thermobia domestica): These small, wingless insects are part of the firebrat family and serve as a valuable source of protein for the mantises. Firebrats are known for their rapid movements, offering an exciting hunting experience for the mantises.
- Small Flies: Apart from fruit flies, Indian Horned Mantises may also prey on other types of small flies that cross their path. Their swift reflexes and keen eyesight make them skilled hunters of flying insects.
Providing a varied diet is essential to ensure the well-being and health of these mantises in captivity. It is recommended to offer a rotation of different prey items to mimic their natural diet in the wild.
Breeding and Reproduction
When attempting to breed Indian Horned Mantises, creating a conducive environment for successful copulation is crucial. One effective tip is to ensure the female is well-fed both leading up to and during the copulation period. Providing ample food, especially their preferred prey items, increases the likelihood of the female being receptive to the male’s advances and less likely to view him as potential prey. By offering a steady supply of nourishment, the female can remain focused on her reproductive activities.
Copulation-Readiness
Mating Readiness and Timing: Both male and female mantises need to reach a state of sexual maturity before they are ready for mating. Typically, males become sexually mature at about seven days after their last molting, while females reach sexual maturity approximately 12 days after their last molting. It is crucial to observe their developmental stages and timing carefully to ensure that they are ready for successful copulation.
During the copulation-readiness periods, both male and female mantises display specific behavioral cues. Males may become more active, trying to locate potential mates by exploring their surroundings. Female mantises often emit pheromones to signal their receptiveness to mating. Observing these behaviors is crucial for successful pairing. If the female shows signs of aggression towards the male, it may be an indication that she is not yet ready for copulation.
Incubation of Ootheca
- Incubation Temperature and Humidity: To ensure successful incubation, it is vital to maintain a stable environment within the terrarium. The ideal incubation temperature for the ootheca is around 25°C (77°F). Additionally, maintaining humidity levels between 60% to 80% by regularly misting the ootheca is crucial for its development.
- Duration of Incubation and Hatching: The ootheca typically takes about three weeks to develop fully. During this period, the female’s eggs will mature, and the nymphs will form inside the protective casing. Once the incubation period is complete, the nymphs will begin hatching, usually numbering between five to eleven individuals. The hatching nymphs are incredibly small, measuring about 3mm in size, and will emerge with light green bodies and white-black striped antennas.
Understanding the breeding and reproductive aspects of Indian Horned Mantises is essential for those interested in captive breeding and fostering the next generation of these remarkable insects. Providing the right conditions and attentive care throughout the breeding process will lead to a rewarding experience of witnessing the tiny nymphs emerge and embark on their journey in the world.
Conclusion
The Indian Horned Mantis (Didymocorypha lanceolata) is a captivating and unique species of mantis. They have longish bodies, long cerci, and a horned head. Males have reduced wings, while females are wingless. Their nymph development is intriguing, and they prefer habitats with twigs and bushes.
In captivity, they require specific terrarium conditions, including proper temperature, humidity, lighting, and enriching decorations. They enjoy a varied diet of pea-louses, fruit flies, crickets, and small flies.
For successful breeding, it’s essential to provide food for the female during copulation and observe the mating readiness and timing of both males and females.
Overall, the Indian Horned Mantis is a fascinating insect that offers a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world.
