Peruvian Shield Mantis (Choeradodis rhomboidea)

What Are Peruvian Shield Mantis?

The Peruvian Shield Mantis is a species of mantid found in certain parts of Peru.

Its scientific name is Choeradodis rhomboidea, and it is part of the family Mantidae.

Other common names for this species include the Cobra Mantis and the Rhomboid Mantis, in reference to its specific shape.

These beautiful mantids can reach up to several inches in length and are distinguishable by the shield-like pattern on their pronotum.

Peruvian Shield Mantids are an active and fast species that make great pets for experienced invertebrate keepers!

What Does Peruvian Shield Mantis Look Like?

Mantidae is a small, slender species of mantis.

They have a unique and eye-catching appearance, with bright green or yellow coloring that stands out in any environment.

Adult specimens have a body size of 1.7 to 3.5 inches, with two sizable wings protruding from the thorax area.

They have long legs and mandibles, which are used to capture prey. Females have an ovipositor, which is used to lay eggs in suitable environments.

Each species can even display various stripes and patches that give them an attractive, ethereal appearance.

Benefits Of Using Peruvian Shield Mantis

The Peruvian Shield Mantis is a great addition to many types of vivariums.

This spectacular insect adds beauty and variety to your display while helping to keep your system in balance.

Having a mantis in your enclosure provides a natural form of pest control that helps to keep pests, like flies, at bay.

These mantids are easy to feed and do not require large amounts of space or attention, making them ideal pets for busy people.

Furthermore, Choeradodis rhomboidea is an excellent conversation piece and will surely impress any guest.

With proper care, your mantis will be a joy to have as part of your vivarium!

Peruvian Shield Mantis Facts

The Peruvian Shield Mantis is a small mantis species native to the South American tropics.

They are gentle and easily handled insect pets with a lifespan of almost a year.

In the wild, they feed on a variety of small insects, but can also eat soft fruits, such as banana, mango, and papaya.

Breeding is quite easy and can be done using standard twiggy branches or paper towels for the female to lay her ootheca.

Habitat

Choeradodis rhomboidea is native to the dry and arid regions of Peru. They thrive in open, sunny spaces with low levels of vegetation.

The species is known to bask in the sun to warm up during the day, which is a behavior that helps them to survive the cold temperatures of their native habitat.

They generally live in bush-like vegetation, often in crevices of rocks and near low-growing plants. 

The species is also found in upland forests, grasslands, and near rivers, streams, and other water sources.

Due to its small size and natural camouflage, the Peruvian Shield Mantis is not easy to spot in its natural habitat.

It has a unique defense mechanism of folding its wings in rhomboid shapes when disturbed in order to make itself look like a dried leaf or twig.

This behavior helps the species avoid potential predation.

Diet

The Peruvian Shield Mantis feeds on small insects and spiders in its natural habitat.

These include but are not limited to, grasshoppers, flies, ants, beetles, moths, and spiders.

Mantis tend to avoid eating larger prey items due to the increased risk of injury. In the wild, they mostly feed on small to medium-sized insects. 

These mantises have an ambush predation strategy, meaning they lie in wait for their prey and then ambush them.

Temperament

Choeradodis rhomboidea is not an overly aggressive species.

They typically display calm and docile behavior and can be handled lightly with great care.

However, they can be startled easily and can produce a jumpy reflex whenever they feel alarmed. Thus, it’s important to handle them with caution and respect. 

In addition, they tend to be fairly solitary and may display some skittish behavior when around other animals, such as other mantids or other insects.

This is normal, and the mantis should not be subjected to excessive stimuli, such as loud noises or bright lights.

If the mantis is exposed to such an environment, it could cause them to be stressed and agitated. 

Remember to always treat them with respect and handle them with care whenever handling.

Lifespan

The lifespan of Choeradodis rhomboidea can vary depending on the environment that they are being kept in, but with proper and regular care, one of these beautiful mantises can live up to ten months.

The entire life cycle of the Peruvian Shield Mantis begins with the female laying a clutch of eggs known as “ootheca”, which can contain hundreds of eggs.

After a few weeks, the eggs will hatch and the baby mantis (called nymphs) will emerge.

A mantis will then go through several molt stages until they reach adulthood (after 6-8 molts).

Adult mantises have the longest lifespan, however, if not properly cared for, a mantis can live a very short life.

Breeding

Peruvian Shield Mantis are best kept in pairs in order to ensure reproduction.

When ready to mate, the male will grasp the female’s wings from below in order to perform a process called oviposition.

During this process, the male will deposit sperm into the female’s body which she will then use to lay her eggs.  

Once the eggs are laid, they should be transferred to an egg sack which can then be kept in the tank with the parents.

The eggs will hatch in 1 to 2 weeks depending on the temperature and the humidity of the tank.

At this stage, the babies will be about 2 millimeters in size and they should be offered small food such as fruit flies to start their diet.

As the babies mature, they will eventually shed their skin and become unique adult mantes, complete with beautiful shield markings.

From this point on, they should be provided with standard adult food such as crickets and mantid flies.

Breeding of your Peruvian Shield Mantis should be easier with practice as you gain more experience.

Where To Find Peruvian Shield Mantis

If you’re interested in finding Choeradodis rhomboidea in the wild you’ll need to search the warm, tropical rainforests of South America.

These unique mantis species are usually found around tree trunks or leaves where they can blend in.

When going in search of a wild mantis be sure to abide by local laws and regulations, as it is illegal to capture or harm them. 

If you’d rather buy a Peruvian Shield Mantis, you’ll be able to find them at certain online pet stores or breeders.

Make sure to do some research on the store or breeder prior to purchase, as reputable vendors are a must for any pet purchase.

Google ratings, third-party reviews, and asking other keepers in online forums are all useful tactics for finding trustworthy vendors.