Creobroter gemmatus (Jeweled Flower Mantis)

Creobroter gemmatus is native to Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. They thrive in tropical climates with a preference for shady trees, low-lying shrubbery, and damp tall grass​.

Size

• Male: Approximately 3.5 cm in length
• Female: Approximately 4.5 cm in length​.

Day Temperature

The ideal daytime temperature for Creobroter gemmatus ranges from 25°C to 30°C​, but as low as 21°C to 25°C is also tolerable.

Night Temperature

The temperature should not fall below 20°C at night​.

Misting Frequency

Humidity levels should be around 50-60% during the day and can increase by about 10% at night. Adjust misting accordingly to maintain these humidity levels without causing waterlogging​.

Substrate Type

For early instars (L1/L2), use untreated wood wool for climbing and kitchen towels as substrate, changing at least once a week. From L4 onwards, use branches and flowers to mimic their natural environment, ensuring the terrarium is not too crowded to allow safe moulting​.

Life Span

Creobroter gemmatus typically lives for 6 to 9 months in captivity, with females hitting the latter of that time frame​.

Feeding

Feeding varies by life stage:

• L1/L2: Drosophila melanogaster
• L3/L4: Drosophila hydei
• L5/L6: Lucilia sericata
• L7/adult: Calliphora sp.​

Ootheca

Females can deposit their first ootheca 2-4 days after mating, with 6-7 more following at intervals. Each ootheca can contain up to 50 eggs, and under optimal conditions, the hatchlings will emerge after about 5 weeks​.