The Nymph’s Natural Predatory Diet
Baby praying mantises, known as nymphs, are predatory insects from the moment they hatch. These miniature hunters emerge from an ootheca, or egg case, in large numbers, each one a tiny, fully formed replica of an adult mantis. Their small size dictates their initial dietary needs, as they are equipped to consume other small invertebrates immediately. They are obligate insectivores throughout their life cycle.
In their natural habitats, mantis nymphs primarily feed on a variety of small, soft-bodied insects readily available in their environment. This diet commonly includes aphids, which are abundant on plant foliage, and newly hatched gnats. They also prey on various species of fruit flies, which are common in many ecosystems and provide a suitable food source for the tiny mantis.
Mantis nymphs are ambush predators, patiently waiting for unsuspecting prey to come within striking distance. They possess specialized raptorial forelegs, which are spiny and capable of rapidly seizing and holding onto their victims. This instinctive hunting behavior is present from birth, allowing them to effectively capture and consume their prey without direct parental guidance. Their diet in the wild consists of whatever small, living invertebrates they can successfully overpower.
Caring for Captive Nymphs: Essential Foods and Feeding
When caring for praying mantis nymphs in captivity, providing appropriate food is crucial for their development. The most commonly recommended food sources are flightless fruit flies, specifically Drosophila melanogaster for very young nymphs and Drosophila hydei as they grow slightly larger. These species are ideal because they are easy to culture, readily available, and their inability to fly makes them simple for the nymphs to catch. Pinhead crickets, which are newly hatched crickets, also serve as an excellent food option for slightly older or larger nymphs.
Matching the size of the feeder insect to the nymph’s size is essential to prevent injury and ensure successful feeding. Prey should generally be no larger than half the length of the mantis nymph’s body. Offering prey that is too large can overwhelm or even harm the delicate nymph. Small roach species, such as “pinhead” or first instar roaches, can also be introduced as the nymphs grow, offering a nutritious alternative to crickets and fruit flies.
Nymphs typically require feeding every one to two days, depending on their size and activity level. Food can be offered by gently placing the feeder insects directly into the nymph’s enclosure, allowing the mantis to hunt them. It is important to remove any uneaten prey after a few hours to prevent stress to the mantis or potential harm from the prey. Hydration is equally important; misting the enclosure with unchlorinated water every day or two provides necessary moisture, which the nymphs will drink from the droplets on surfaces.
It is important to only feed captive-bred feeder insects to mantis nymphs. Wild-caught insects may carry parasites or be contaminated with pesticides, which could be harmful or fatal to the mantis.
Dietary Evolution: From Nymph to Adult
As a praying mantis grows from a nymph to an adult, its dietary needs evolve primarily in terms of the size of prey it can consume. Mantises undergo several molts, known as instars, shedding their exoskeleton to accommodate their increasing body size. With each successful molt, the mantis becomes larger and more capable of handling bigger prey items. This progression allows them to target a wider range of insects as they mature.
Initially, a young nymph might only be able to overpower a fruit fly, but after several instars, it will be capable of catching significantly larger insects. For example, once a mantis reaches a sub-adult or adult stage, its diet can expand to include house flies, blue bottle flies, and larger crickets, typically ranging from half an inch to an inch in length. They may also consume small moths, which provide a good source of nutrition. This allows them to become more efficient predators in their environment, targeting insects that provide more sustenance per meal.