The Spiny Flower Mantis, formally known as Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii, is highly sought-after in the exotic pet trade due to its striking, flower-mimicking appearance. Native to regions of East and Southern Africa, this species exhibits a life cycle that determines its overall longevity. The duration of a mantis’s life is highly variable and influenced by inherent biological differences and external environmental conditions.
The Mantis Life Cycle: Stages of Development
The life of the Spiny Flower Mantis begins within an ootheca, a protective egg case that can house dozens of developing embryos. Once hatched, the insects enter the nymph stage, which is characterized by a series of molts called instars. The mantis must shed its rigid exoskeleton, progressing through six molts for males and seven molts for females before reaching adulthood.
The duration of this nymph stage typically lasts between two and five months from hatching to the final molt. Males generally develop faster, needing approximately 2.5 months to reach maturity, while females require closer to three months. This period of rapid growth and molting is particularly demanding on the insect’s system, and successful maturation is heavily dependent on consistent access to food and appropriate conditions.
Average Adult Lifespan and Sex Differences
Once the final molt is completed, the Spiny Flower Mantis enters its adult phase, during which its focus shifts entirely to reproduction. The total lifespan, from hatching to death, typically ranges from 10 to 14 months. A significant difference exists between the sexes, which reflects their distinct biological roles.
Adult male mantises have a noticeably shorter lifespan, surviving for only about four to six months after reaching maturity. This accelerated timeline is a direct result of their biological imperative to mate, as males mature faster and often die shortly after copulation. Adult females, by contrast, can live for seven to ten months following their final molt. This extended period is necessary for the female to produce multiple oothecae, or egg cases, ensuring the continuation of the species.
Environmental Factors Influencing Longevity
The figures for mantis lifespan represent a maximum potential that can only be achieved when external conditions are optimized. Temperature is a major modifier of the mantis metabolic rate, with a recommended range of 72 to 85°F. Keeping the mantis at the higher end of this range will speed up its growth and maturity, but ultimately shorten its total lifespan.
Humidity is another factor, with an ideal range of 40 to 60 percent relative humidity. This species is highly susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections if the environment becomes too damp, which is a common cause of premature death. Finally, feeding frequency plays a role. Overfeeding accelerates the life cycle and significantly shortens the life of a mantis, while a moderate feeding schedule helps the insect reach its maximum potential age.