Rhombodera kirbyi
Rhombodera • Mantidae
Rhombodera kirbyi is a large shield mantis, with females reaching about 10 cm. The published locality is Timor, though it is sold in the hobby as the PNG shield mantis, so treat its origin as uncertain. Care information for this exact species is mostly from vendors and from keepers of related Rhombodera, so use it as a starting point. One seller recommends 75 to 85 F, 60 to 80 percent humidity, misting three to four times a week, and a large ventilated enclosure with plenty of vertical room to hang for molts. Forum keepers of the genus say a terrarium suits them better than mesh because they want extra humidity, and that a small heat lamp helps in a cool house. Offer flying insects such as house flies, bluebottles and moths sized to the mantis. The seller rates it intermediate, while Wikipedia says low requirements, so that rating is contested.
Temperature
75-85°F
Humidity
60-80%
Prey size: Flying insects sized to the mantis: house flies, blue bottle flies, moths
Type
Arboreal
Adult Size
Female to ~10 cm, male 8-8.5 cm
Growth Rate
—
Native Region
Timor (per Wikipedia); sold in the hobby as Papua New Guinea shield mantis
Temperament
—
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