The Glass Mantis is the ultimate choice if you’re seeking a first-rate pet to adopt. It’ll undoubtedly make an exceptional member of your household.
This type of praying mantis is renowned for its stunning, delicate appearance and surprisingly calm temperament, making it a great choice for a first-time pet praying mantis owner.
This Sinomantis denticulata guide outlines the requirements for keeping this insect species healthy and happy, along with the pros and cons of bringing a Glass Mantis into your setup.
Read on to learn more!
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Glass Mantis |
| Family Name | Iridopterygidae |
| Scientific Name | Sinomantis denticulata |
| Use | Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 8 to 10 Months |
| Diet | Insectivore |
| Adult Size | Up to 1 in |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 1 Gallon |
| pH | 6.2-6.7 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 68-82°F |
What Are Glass Mantis?
Glass Mantes, officially known as Sinomantis denticulata, belong to the family Iridopterygidae and are a micro species of praying mantis.
They are aptly named for their remarkable reflective exoskeletons, which make them resemble tiny pieces of glass when found in the wild.
These mantes are found in areas of East Asia and often live in wooded or grassy environments.
They grow to be a maximum of one inch in size and are a light yellow-brown or grey color.
Glass Mantes are voracious predators and feed on other insects that can range in size.
What Does Glass Mantis Look Like?
Sinomantis denticulata has a delicate, glass-like appearance and is named for its transparent wings that give it the appearance of being partially see-through.
This mantis species has a wing span of up to a few centimeters and can be found in a variety of translucent colors, including light green, brown, yellow, and white.
Its abdomen has yellow stripes and its head and legs are black. Its eyes are bulging and feature multiple lenses.
Its most recognizable feature is its long, spiny antennae, which it uses to sense its surroundings.
Its front legs are adapted for catching prey, as they are equipped with spines and fringes that allow it to grasp and hold on to its prey.
Benefits Of Using Glass Mantis
A Glass Mantis is a great choice for adding interest to a vivarium.
Not only are these spectacular bugs fascinating to observe, but they also don’t require as much maintenance as other insect species.
This makes them a great choice for those who are new to keeping insects as pets.
In addition to their ghostly appearance and low maintenance requirements, Sinomantis denticulata is also an excellent pest control option.
They will feed on other insects, helping to maintain the balance of the terrarium ecosystem.
Finally, the Glass Mantis can be kept in both smaller and larger enclosures, making them highly versatile when it comes to tank size and space requirements.
Glass Mantis Facts
The Glass Mantis is a striking pale-hued species of praying mantis native to Southeast Asia.
With a lifespan of almost one year, these insects are relatively low maintenance and have rather docile temperaments.
While they will feed on live insects, they can also be fed an omnivorous diet that includes other types of organic matter.
Habitat
Sinomantis denticulata is a species of praying mantis native to Southeast Asia, specifically the tropical rainforests of China, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.
This species is most commonly found in dense forests or grasslands and thrives in warm, humid climates.
They are skilled climbers, and can even stick to vertical surfaces!
In the wild, they usually spend their days clinging onto leaves or flowers, waiting patiently for their prey to pass by.
Create the perfect home for your mantis with our Customizable Mantis Enclosure Kits, designed to meet all their habitat needs.
Diet
In their native habitats, Sinomantis denticulata feeds primarily on other insects such as spiders, flies, and other mantis species.
They are predatory and usually ambush their prey, using their quick reflexes and powerful forearms to capture and kill their food.
Temperament
Glass Mantis has a surprisingly calm temperament and makes great pets, despite their reputation as being predatory insects.
If handled gently, they tend to remain quite passive and docile.
Though they may become agitated and move their wings when disturbed, their default behavior is to remain motionless until something catches their attention.
Sinomantis denticulata may also get used to other animals in the home, such as insects or small mammals.
As long as they are prevented from attacking or eating these other pets, there is potential for them to cohabit peacefully.
While they are fascinating to observe on their own, it can be interesting to watch interactions between different animals, and the Glass Mantis may be an interesting addition to any collection.
Lifespan
Sinomantis denticulata has an average lifespan of 8-10 months.
These praying mantes have four stages in their life cycle: egg, nymph stage, adult, and reproduction.
Young Glass Mantis will go through five nymph instars, allowing it to molt several times as it grows.
During each molting process, the body of the mantis will elongate. Once fully mature, the mantis will reach its maximum length.
The final step is the adult stage, where the mantis will look for a mate and then die within months of reaching adulthood.
Since S. denticulata is short-lived, it is essential to be aware of the common health problems that they can face.
These include severe dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, fungal or bacterial infections, and even predator attacks.
Provide the correct care for your mantis to limit the chance of them facing health problems.
Breeding
The mating and reproduction of Glass Mantis are one of the most fascinating processes in the insect kingdom.
To begin with, males of this species will usually fly around in search of potential mates.
After a female is found, he will perform a courtship dance to attract her attention.
Once the female is interested, the male will mount the female and engage in a process known as “mating circulars” where they move in circles and tighten their grip to hold on.
Once mating is complete, the female Glass Mantis will lay her eggs on leaves, twigs, or the walls of the enclosure.
Depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment, the eggs will take between 4-6 weeks to hatch.
After hatching, the babies will go through several growth stages (called instars) before reaching adulthood.
During this time, Provide them with enough food, as they need to molt regularly to grow.
Once the Glass Mantis reaches adulthood, the mating and reproduction process can begin again!
Where To Find Glass Mantis
Finding Sinomantis denticulata in the wild can be an exciting experience, as these mantis species are not very common.
They are native to Southeast Asia, so if you plan on finding one in the wild, you will best be able to find them in tropical rainforest areas.
However, it is best to contact a local insect specialist or animal control officer before you hunt for a wild Glass Mantis to learn more about legal restrictions and safety protocols.
If you are looking to purchase S. denticulata online, you are in luck!
Many online insect vendors specialize in selling mantis species, and some of them even have rare or special species available.
When shopping online, you will also need to make sure to check the seller’s reviews and ratings, as some sellers may be selling sub-par specimens of the Glass Mantis.
Lastly, make sure to ask the seller any questions you may have before buying, and ensure that the specimen you are purchasing was ethically bred in captivity.
Glass Mantis Care
Caring for Sinomantis denticulata requires a little planning and dedication.
You will need to provide them with suitable habitats, feed them appropriately, and keep the temperature and humidity levels in their enclosure balanced.
It is also essential to be aware of common health issues and the difference between the Glass Mantis’ needs and the needs of other praying mantis species.
With the right care and attention, your pet mantis can be a happy and healthy pet!
Tank Requirements
When selecting a habitat for Sinomantis denticulata, the most important factor to consider is size.
The ideal habitat for these insects is a smaller paludarium or terrarium, such as a 1-5 gallon tank with a vented top.
When it comes to pH and hardness, the better the water quality, the healthier your pet will be; look for a pH between 6.2-6.7 and a hardness of around 8 – 10.
Temperature is also essential to consider; aim for a warm temperature of between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
As far as terrarium substrate, use a type that retains moisture, such as peat moss or coconut fiber, and provides plenty of hiding spots.
Finally, for terrarium lighting, choose a low-wattage bulb and place it on the outside of the habitat to mimic the natural light of the Glass Mantis’s natural habitat.
What Does Glass Mantis Eat?
Feeding your Glass Mantis is a necessary part of keeping them healthy and active.
You should feed the mantis a variety of different foods including live crickets, mealworms, flies, waxworms, and other small insects.
Be sure you only offer your pet food that is appropriate in size.
You can also feed your mantis a small amount of fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and cucumbers.
Remember that these should only make up a small part of their diet, while insect prey should be the majority.
If you’re looking for a more detailed approach to feeding these critters, be sure to check out my ultimate DIY Praying Mantis food guide. I give a more in-depth explanation of the best foods and my favorite recipe.
Best Tankmates For Glass Mantis
Tankmates are a vital factor to consider when keeping Sinomantis denticulata.
It is best to keep the praying mantis species alone, as they may cannibalize other species if housed together.
Additionally, some animals have similar beneficial qualities that can be beneficial when housed together with the Glass Mantis.
These animals are usually species that share the same requirements as the mantis such as the dubia roach, millipedes, jumping spiders, and the Madagascar hissing cockroach.
These animals are all small, gentle insect varieties that can make great tankmates for the Glass Mantis to hunt.
To make sure that the tankmates are not detrimental to the well-being of the praying mantis, make sure to monitor the tank for signs of aggression or other issues.
Additionally, keep in mind that these tankmates may require different types of food than the Glass Mantis, so they must always have their food source.
With some monitoring and caution, these tankmates can provide companionship for your mantis and enrich their life in captivity.
Conclusion
Caring for Sinomantis denticulata requires special consideration but is not too complicated.
With the right housing, temperature, and regular care, this species makes a fascinating and unique pet.
Now that you have a better understanding of the glass mantis, you should be better equipped to decide if it’s the right pet for you.
Hopefully, this guide has been informative and useful in your decision-making process.
Create the ideal habitat for your praying mantis with our species-specific soil mixes and Insect Enclosure Kits. These products provide everything you need for a thriving Mantid habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sinomantis denticulata, also known as the glass mantis, is a species of praying mantis native to Southeast Asia. It has transparent wings and an overall delicate appearance. It is generally found in the understory of deciduous forests and is relatively small compared to other species of mantids.