Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#71465
Mexican Unicorn Mantis - Phyllovates chlorophaea

Mexican Unicorn Mantis - Phyllovates chlorophaea
World Birding Center HQ at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Hidalgo County, Texas, USA

Mexican Unicorn Mantis
I recently found one of these in my back yard and have been looking on line to identify it and I would like to thank you for having such a beautiful image of the mantis which helped me identify it. I have had this mantis in a sm bug tank and have been feeding it crickets, it has been eating them very well. As I have been getting information on a mantis I have been trying to keep it alive, And so far so good. If you have any information you could share with me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank You Rosie

 
Wonderful species!
I was the person contacted Dr. Rose earlier this year. This species is not too difficult to keep and quite a communal species. I've raised the hatchling to adult and mated some female, which promptly lay a few oothecae since. Let me know if you need more help. This a rather rare native species, where are you located Maria?


 
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captive care of the Unicorn Mantis
Hi Rosie,

I was actually contacted early this year by a mantis enthusiast near Houston who told me he was receiving a few individuals of this species and hoped to raise and breed them in captivity. I do not want to post his name and contact info on the Guide, but e-mail me at the address below and I can try to put you in touch with him.

Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
World Birding Center at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/sites/mission/index.phtml
joshua.rose@tpwd.state.tx.us
956-584-9156 x 236