Orchid mantises of the genera Helvia and Hymenopus have always been among the most graceful and sought-after of all mantises.
However, many hobbyists still seem to find it difficult to obtain offspring consistently over a long period of time. Different rules apply to insects than to vertebrates.
In this Orchid Mantises book you will find detailed first-hand information on what really matters, what requires your attention, and how to achieve success in maintenance and breeding.
The author’s many years of relevant practical experience in maintenance, reproduction, and observation in the terrarium, as well as with this group of animals in particular, are of special value – a book from nature enthusiasts for nature enthusiasts, for terrarium keepers, and for all who aspire to be!

To quote the Author Johnnie Van den Berg –

There are either scientific papers that are often of little help to hobbyists, or books on the maintenance of a large selection of praying mantises, with descriptions of the individual species that are usually too short and too general. I want to change all that with this book and take you with me on a very specific mission, to get to know two fascinating species and their natural habitat.

I will describe the maintenance of these mantises as well as how to go about breeding them and establish a breeding stock, and provide tips on breeding your own live foods. All in all, I will not only pass on my own knowledge based on over ten years of keeping and breeding these species, but will also incorporate the experiences of breeder friends in order to also permit you a glimpse beyond the proverbial own back yard. This book is aimed at the multitude of existing enthusiasts and those who aspire to become one. It isn’t intended to be a treatise, and hence will as far as possible dispense with technical jargon.

Praying Mantis for sale here