TIMOR SHIELD MANTIS

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Rhombodera sp.
Adult Size: Approx. 7–9 cm | Activity: Mainly diurnal

📏 SIZE

• Adults can reach around 7–9 cm.
• Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
• Nymphs are very small and delicate.

🏠 HOUSING

• Tall, well-ventilated enclosure.
• Minimum adult enclosure: approx. 20 × 20 × 30 cm; larger is better.
• Provide plenty of vertical climbing space and twigs/branches.
• The mantis needs clear space to hang upside down when moulting.
• Minimum height should be around 3× the mantis's body length.

🌡️ TEMPERATURE

• Aim for 22–28°C during the day.
• A slight drop at night is beneficial.
• Avoid prolonged temperatures above 30°C.
• Keep away from direct sunlight.

💡 LIGHTING

• No UVB is essential.
• Normal room lighting is suitable.
• Provide a natural day/night cycle.
• Avoid bright lighting directly over the enclosure.

💧 HUMIDITY

• Aim for around 60–75%.
• Lightly mist the enclosure once daily or as required.
• Allow surfaces to dry between mistings.
• Good ventilation is essential to prevent stagnant conditions.

🦗 FOOD

• Feed appropriately sized live insects.
• Suitable prey includes fruit flies, house flies, crickets and small locusts depending on the mantis's size.
• Juveniles generally require food every 1–2 days.
• Adults can usually be fed 2–3 times per week.
• Remove uneaten prey, particularly before moulting.

💦 WATER

• Mantises normally drink water droplets from misting.
• Lightly mist the enclosure rather than providing a deep water dish.
• Avoid soaking the enclosure.

🐚 SHEDDING

• Moulting is the most vulnerable time in a mantis's life.
• The mantis may stop eating and become less active beforehand.
• Ensure sufficient vertical space for the mantis to hang freely.
• Never handle or disturb a mantis during moulting.
• Remove live prey if a moult is approaching.

🤲 HANDLING

• Can become accustomed to gentle handling when calm.
• Allow the mantis to walk onto your hand rather than grabbing it.
• Never handle immediately before or after a moult.
• Avoid sudden movements and excessive handling.

❤️ HEALTH

• Healthy mantises should have good posture, strong grip and a good feeding response.
• Drooping, inability to grip, injuries or prolonged refusal of food can indicate a problem.
• Ensure adequate ventilation and hydration.
• A mantis that is preparing to moult may naturally stop eating.

🧹 CLEANING

• Remove uneaten prey and waste regularly.
• Remove shed skins once they have been abandoned.
• Wipe contaminated surfaces as necessary.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, aerosols and pesticides.
• Do not excessively disturb the enclosure.

🏡 BEFORE YOU BRING YOUR ANIMAL HOME

✓ Tall, secure and well-ventilated enclosure
✓ Plenty of branches and climbing surfaces
✓ Clear vertical moulting space
✓ Temperature checked and stable
✓ Hygrometer installed
✓ Suitable live food available
✓ Fine misting bottle prepared
✓ No loose or dangerous décor

⚠️ IMPORTANT BITS

• Never disturb a mantis while it is moulting.
• Always provide enough height for a complete moult.
• Do not leave crickets or other aggressive prey in the enclosure when the mantis is moulting.
• Timor Shield Mantises should generally be housed individually due to cannibalism.
• Handle gently — their legs, wings and abdomen can be easily damaged.
• Keep away from pesticides, aerosols and household chemicals.