The Australian Spikey Stick Mantis or Five-Spined Stick Mantis is recorded across a wide swath of inland and arid Australia, including New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. It appears in diverse ecological regions, from desert basins to coastal plains and plateaus. This wide range includes regions with desert, savanna, and scrubland biomes. It prefers dry, open environments, like spinifex grasslands, mulga and acacia shrublands, open eucalyptus woodlands, and sandy or rocky areas with sparse vegetation. Adults are long, slender mantids typically measuring around 9–11 cm in length. This species Named for the five large spines (tubercles) on the forecoxae or raptors, which are a key diagnostic feature. Mist lightly once every 2–3 days Do not over-mist — too much humidity can cause mold or failed molts. This species will cannibalize one another, so keep mantids separated.
Photo by Nick Volpe
The Australian Spikey Stick Mantis or Five-Spined Stick Mantis is recorded across a wide swath of inland and arid Australia, including New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. It appears in diverse ecological regions, from desert basins to coastal plains and plateaus. This wide range includes regions with desert, savanna, and scrubland biomes. It prefers dry, open environments, like spinifex grasslands, mulga and acacia shrublands, open eucalyptus woodlands, and sandy or rocky areas with sparse vegetation. Adults are long, slender mantids typically measuring around 9–11 cm in length. This species Named for the five large spines (tubercles) on the forecoxae or raptors, which are a key diagnostic feature. Mist lightly once every 2–3 days Do not over-mist — too much humidity can cause mold or failed molts. This species will cannibalize one another, so keep mantids separated.
Photo by Nick Volpe
