Acromantis magna
Order: Mantodea
Family: Hymenopodidae Giglio-Tos, 1919
Subfamily: Acromantinae Giglio-Tos, 1919
Genus: Acromantis Saussure, 1870
Species: Acromantis magna Yang, 1996 ??
Mantis of Acromantis genus is from Asia. So far I have only kept two species of Acromantis species before, namely A. formosana
(Originally collected from Taiwan) and A. japonica (Originally collected from China). I was first introduced to this species by a bug friend
from Hong Kong name Chik. There is this Acromantis species found in Hong Kong which is claimed to be A. magna.
This species was first collected back in 1990 by Yang in GuiZhou Province, Libo county, at Maolan Nature Reserve. An adult female
was collected and Yang noticed several distinguished characters of this mantis that could categorize this mantis in as new species,
especially the distinct size difference compare to other mantis of this genus. This new species was finally published in 1996 by Yang,
but was not listed in Ehrmann’s 2002 popular Mantodea publication, thus considered an invalid species by European.
Anyway, from my collecting trip in 2009 Summer at Hong Kong, I was lucky to have a pair of nymphs. Both matured into adult in late
2009. Female was mated and managed to produce couple of oothecae before dying of sickness. My guess was the lack of proper care
during my trip contributes to the poor health.
I care for the ootheca in the similar condition as other Acromantis species. However, only dozen hatched out from the first ootheca, but
it was fortunately enough for me that the first generation hatchling would be sufficient for another generation. From my experience, at
hatchling stage (first instar), this species appear to be a size larger than the commonly available A. formosana. As they grew, the
abdomen lobe is far extended compare to A. formosana. The ‘horn’ of A. magna is also quite visible, although not as protruding as
Texas unicorn mantis (Phyllovates chlorophaea), it is definitely more visible than A. formosana. The ootheca of this species also
appears to be longer but in general a typical Acromantis ootheca shape.
Following show the size comparison between A. magna and A. formosana adult females.
Here is the size difference between the adult male of A. magna (Bottom), A. japonica (Top left), and A. formosana (Top right).
With proper food and optimum conditions for the first generation, the mantis grew up quickly and reached adult stage in about 70 days.
The second generation yields a much better hatching rate of 50+ nymphs. I hope to keep this species for another generation so I have
at least dozen of dried specimens in my pinned collection.
Hopefully, one day the true identity of this species can be determined. This species might be the synonymous of other Acromantis
species and or end up being name differently, but for now it is my beautiful Acromantis magna.
