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Description
Gongylus gongylodes - The Violin Mantis grows up to about 4-5 inches and is one of the largest species. This species has nice rust/brown coloration. The elongated thorax really creates an unusual look. This is where the name Violin Mantis is originated.

Food - The Violin Mantis is a master of catching flying insects, which is why you should feed them mainly flies. The hatchling of this species is very large with long legs, feed them Hydei fruit flies from L1-L2, and move on to house flies, Blue Bottle flies, moths, and butterflies when larger. This species is one of the few communal species.

Water - This species does not require constant misting, but keep humidity at 50%. Sphagnum moss is a good substrata.

Housing - This species requires temperature at around 85-100°(F) during the day, and around 80° (F) at night. The container needs to be two to three times the length of the mantis so there is enough height for successful molting. As this is a communal species, you can keep a group of them in the same cage but do not overcrowd the enclosure.

Difficulty - This species is not for a beginner as it needs plenty of heat and specific food requirements. They require flying insects as they tend to wait for their prey to come in reach.. They grow slowly and the final molt can take 3-4 weeks. (High temperature of 100F is required to initiate mating).

Summary - If you are looking for an exotic and unusual mantis, this is the one for you!

Description
Gongylus gongylodes - The Violin Mantis grows up to about 4-5 inches and is one of the largest species. This species has nice rust/brown coloration. The elongated thorax really creates an unusual look. This is where the name Violin Mantis is originated.

Food - The Violin Mantis is a master of catching flying insects, which is why you should feed them mainly flies. The hatchling of this species is very large with long legs, feed them Hydei fruit flies from L1-L2, and move on to house flies, Blue Bottle flies, moths, and butterflies when larger. This species is one of the few communal species.

Water - This species does not require constant misting, but keep humidity at 50%. Sphagnum moss is a good substrata.

Housing - This species requires temperature at around 85-100°(F) during the day, and around 80° (F) at night. The container needs to be two to three times the length of the mantis so there is enough height for successful molting. As this is a communal species, you can keep a group of them in the same cage but do not overcrowd the enclosure.

Difficulty - This species is not for a beginner as it needs plenty of heat and specific food requirements. They require flying insects as they tend to wait for their prey to come in reach.. They grow slowly and the final molt can take 3-4 weeks. (High temperature of 100F is required to initiate mating).

Summary - If you are looking for an exotic and unusual mantis, this is the one for you!