Cryptic Mantis - Sibylla pretiosa

Sibylla pretiosa, also known as the cryptic mantis, is a medium-sized and delicate mantid species native to South Africa. With its long and narrow pronotum, it resembles the representatives of Empusidae in appearance and behavior. The species prefers savannah areas and stays mainly on grasses and bushes as well as on tree trunks.

The Sibylla pretiosa is able to capture flying prey such as moths, bees and flies, but also crawling food animals such as cockroaches. For smaller larvae, Drosophila and ovenfish are also suitable for feeding.

The species is very suitable for group keeping due to its low intraspecific aggressiveness. For a successful keeping in a group a constant food supply is indispensable. A terrarium with the dimensions 45x45x60 has proven itself for a group of four pairs.

The Sibylla pretiosa requires temperatures between 30 and 38 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 40-70 percent. Light evening spraying can prevent molting problems. For successful breeding, temperatures of at least 32 degrees Celsius are recommended to increase the animals' willingness to mate.

The species prefers well lit and very well ventilated terrariums with a high spectrum, full spectrum or metal halide lamps are highly recommended and have a great influence on the behavior of the animals. Compared to representatives of the Empusidae, Sibylla pretiosa distribute themselves in the whole terrarium if the parameters are suitable and do not only stick to the ceiling.

Overall, Sibylla pretiosa is a suitable species for beginners, because the larvae are not very susceptible and the required parameters are easy to achieve with halogen lamps. Nevertheless, the species requires a certain amount of care and attention in keeping to ensure successful group keeping.