Discover the Fascinating World of 'Insect Specials'

Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa) – The ultimate master of dead-leaf camouflage

Are you looking for an extraordinary praying mantis that looks like it was plucked straight from a forest floor? The Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa), also known as the Ghost Mantis, is native to Madagascar and Africa. Thanks to the asymmetrical crest on its head, jagged contours, and dead-leaf colors, it blends in perfectly among fallen leaves and twigs!

Behavior: Calm 'sit-and-wait' hunter

Unlike active hunters, the Ghost Mantis is a patient ambush predator. Relying on its camouflage, it sits perfectly still until a flying insect passes by, only to strike with lightning speed using its powerful raptorial forelegs! They have a gentle and sometimes somewhat shy nature. When feeding with large tweezers, they may be momentarily startled; patience is the key to success.

Unique capability for communal housing

What makes Phyllocrania paradoxa truly special in the praying mantis hobby is its minimal cannibalism. This is one of the very rare species that—provided there is always sufficient food present and the enclosure is spacious enough—can be successfully kept in groups! A large terrarium full of branches and dried leaves with multiple specimens offers a breathtaking spectacle.

Care and Environmental Requirements

Ghost Mantises grow to approximately 5 cm in length and thrive best at a temperature of about 26 °C (ranging between 20 °C and 30 °C, with a minimum of 18 °C at night). They require relatively high humidity (60% to 90%), which is easily achieved by light misting about 5 times a week. A terrarium of at least 20 x 20 x 30 cm provides ample space for perches and hiding spots.

Diet

In nature, they mainly eat flying insects such as fruit flies and houseflies. Crickets (for example, size 6 or 7) are also readily eaten. Note: ensure that no loose crickets are left in the enclosure when the mantis is about to molt, as the mantis is very vulnerable at that time.

Key benefits at a glance:

• Unique Dead-Leaf Camouflage: Alien-like appearance with a 'crinkled' head.
• Suitable for Communal Housing: Very low risk of cannibalism if fed sufficiently.
• Calm Nature: Simple and relaxing to observe.
• Ideal Beginner Species: Hardy, easy-to-care-for mantis.
• Supplied at L7 (Sub-adult) Stage: Nearly mature mantis.

Product Specifications:

• Species: Phyllocrania paradoxa (Ghost Mantis)
• Size at delivery: Stage L7
• Adult size: Approx. 5 cm
• Temperature: 20 °C - 30 °C (ideal daytime temperature 26 °C)
• Humidity: 60% - 90% (mist approx. 5x per week)
• Diet: Flies (fruit flies/houseflies), small crickets
• Housing: Individually or in a group (with sufficient space and food)

Bring one of the most beautiful praying mantises in the world into your home. Order the Ghost Mantis today!

Giant Mantis (Hierodula sp.) – The active, large beginner species!

Do you want to start keeping praying mantises and are you looking for a robust, fierce hunter? The Giant Mantis (Hierodula sp.) is one of the largest mantis species successfully kept in captivity. Because they are not very picky and are easy to care for at room temperature, this is rightfully the most popular 'Giant Mantis' among enthusiasts.

Impressive appearance and color change

Hierodula mantises are known for their powerful build. They are usually bright light green in color, but beige, yellow, and brown variants also occur (which sometimes develop a pink hue in adulthood). What's special is that they can subtly adapt their color to the shades of their environment within a few days! Adult females become significantly larger and wider than males, who in turn are slimmer with slightly longer wings.

Fierce, active hunter

Unlike species that sit still for hours waiting, the Hierodula is a truly active hunter. As soon as it spots prey on the bottom of the terrarium, it turns its head with large eyes towards the insect and resolutely gives chase. A cricket or fly is snatched with lightning-fast raptorial arms in no time!

Care and Environmental Requirements

The Giant Mantis has few demands on its environment. A temperature of around 24 °C is ideal, but normal room temperature (at least 18 °C at night) is perfectly sufficient. The desired humidity is between 40% and 65%. Mist lightly every day or every other day with a plant sprayer to provide drinking water. Note: do not keep the enclosure continuously too wet, as excessive humidity is the number 1 cause of death.

Suitable Housing and Feeding

Because this is a large species, a terrarium of at least **20 x 20 x 35 cm** (L x W x H) is recommended for an adult specimen (at least 3x the length of the animal in height). Furnish the enclosure with many branches and artificial plants on which the mantis can hang upside down for a safe molt. Adult animals easily eat large crickets, cockroaches, and subadult locusts.

Key advantages at a glance:

• Impressive Size: One of the largest robust species in the hobby.
• The Perfect Beginner Species: Very strong, forgiving, and easy to care for.
• Active Hunting Behavior: Fiercely and dynamically hunts prey.
• Changeable Colors: Subtly adapts its shades to the environment.
• Delivered in L3-L6 Stage: Nice size to experience its growth up close.

Product specifications:

• Species: Hierodula sp. (Giant Mantis)
• Size upon delivery: Stage L3 to L6
• Ideal temperature: Approx. 24 °C (room temperature, min. 18 °C at night)
• Humidity: 40% - 65% (mist lightly every other day)
• Food: Crickets, flies, cockroaches, small locusts
• Housing: Keep individually (due to hunting instinct and risk of cannibalism)

Experience the magic of this large active hunter. Order the Giant Mantis (Hierodula sp.) today!

Aqua Dragons Deluxe + Colour LED – The most luxurious underwater experience!

Do you want to breed your own wonderful aquatic creatures and know exactly if the living conditions are optimal? The Aqua Dragons Deluxe + Colour LED Aquarium Kit combines the magic of Sea Monkeys with smart technology! Add the eggs to the water and within 24 hours you'll see the first tiny creatures happily wiggling through the aquarium.

Smart Colour LED lighting & Temperature indicator

The unique feature of this Deluxe version is the built-in LED lighting system. The LEDs not only illuminate the tank for a beautiful view in the dark, but also react to the water temperature! If the water temperature changes, the LED lights change color. This allows you to visually check whether the water is at the correct room temperature before adding the eggs, and whether the temperature remains stable afterwards for optimal growth.

Self-sustaining and long-lasting colony

Aqua Dragons (brine shrimp) are fascinating to watch grow and care for. They reproduce themselves via eggs and live birth. As long as the water temperature remains good (easily read from the LED color) and you regularly aerate the water with the pipette, a lively colony will develop that you will enjoy for a long time.

Contents of the Deluxe Kit:

• Aqua Dragons Deluxe Tank: Transparent aquarium (15 x 3 x 15 cm) with integrated Colour LED lighting.
• Egg sachet: Specially prepared eggs that hatch in water within 24 hours.
• Food for 1 year: Specially formulated food that will last you a whole year.
• Dosing spoon / Scoop: To accurately measure the exact amount of food.
• Oxygen Pipette: To maintain water quality and oxygen levels.
• Manuals: Extensive English manual and a clear Dutch A4 manual.

Key advantages at a glance:

• Color-changing LED lighting: Creates atmosphere and visually indicates the water temperature.
• Fast Hatching: See the first creatures swimming around within 24 hours.
• Luxurious Eye-catcher: Slim design (15x3x15 cm) allowing you to follow the creatures up close.
• Includes 1 Year of Food: Enough food supplied for a whole year of fun.
• Educational & Safe: Extremely educational for children about temperature, oxygen, and underwater life.

Product specifications:

• Product: Aqua Dragons / Sea Monkeys Deluxe Aquarium Kit
• Lighting: Colour LED (changes color based on water temperature)
• Tank dimensions: 15 cm wide x 3 cm deep x 15 cm high
• Type of creatures: Brine shrimp (Artemia Salina)
• Hatching time: Approx. 24 hours after adding to water
• Application: Educational toy, aquarium hobby, atmospheric gift

Grow your own glowing underwater world. Order the Aqua Dragons Deluxe + Colour LED Kit today!

Aqua Dragons (Sea Monkeys) Blister – Grow your own magical underwater creatures!

Have you always wanted to breed your own unique aquatic pets? With the Aqua Dragons Blister (also known as Sea Monkeys or brine shrimp), you can bring a wonderful underwater world into your home! Add the included eggs to a vase, glass jar, or plastic bowl with water and watch the creatures hatch and happily swim around within 24 hours.

Unique and fascinating underwater creatures

Aqua Dragons are marvelous creatures with their funny tails and swimming movements that are very captivating to watch. What makes them extra special is their reproduction: they reproduce themselves both through eggs and by live birth. As long as you take good care of the water and feed them regularly, you can continue to observe generations upon generations of these creatures!

Complete starter kit (excluding bowl/aquarium)

This blister pack contains all the essential supplies to start breeding immediately. You simply choose a beautiful transparent vase, jar, or plastic container as their habitat. Thanks to the included Dutch A4-sized manual, you'll know exactly how to hatch the eggs and how to provide the best care for the creatures.

Contents of the Blister:

• Egg sachet: Specially prepared eggs that hatch within 24 hours in water.
• Food for 1 year: Specially formulated food that will last you an entire year.
• Dosing spoon / Scoop: To measure out the exact right amount of food.
• Oxygen Pipette: To easily maintain water quality and oxygen levels.
• Manuals: Extensive English and clear Dutch A4 manual.

Key advantages at a glance:

• Fast Hatching: See the first tiny creatures swimming around within 24 hours.
• Educational & Instructive: Ideal for teaching children about the life cycle of aquatic animals.
• Sustainable Colony: Reproduces itself for long-lasting enjoyment.
• Includes Food for 1 Year: You won't need to purchase extra food for the first year.
• Free Choice of Habitat: Can be used in any transparent vase or bowl.

Product specifications:

• Product: Aqua Dragons / Sea Monkeys breeding kit (blister)
• Type of creatures: Brine shrimp (Artemia Salina)
• Hatching time: Approx. 24 hours after adding to water
• Excluding: Bowl, vase, or aquarium (to be provided by you)
• Application: Educational toy, aquarium hobby, unique gift

Bring life to a vase on your desk or windowsill. Order the Aqua Dragons Blister today!

Aqua Dragons (Sea Monkeys) Aquarium Kit – Your complete underwater world!

Bring magical underwater life into your room with the Aqua Dragons Aquarium Kit! Aqua Dragons (also known as Sea Monkeys or brine shrimp) are fascinating creatures that come to life as soon as you add the eggs to the water. Within 24 hours, you'll see the very first tiny creatures happily swimming around in their own specially designed aquarium.

Perfect view thanks to the slim aquarium

This complete breeding set comes with a unique, full-color decorated aquarium measuring 15 x 3 x 15 cm. Thanks to the slim design of the tank, the creatures always swim close to the wall. This allows you to optimally observe and closely follow their movements, growth, and funny antics!

Self-sustaining and long-lasting colony

Aqua Dragons are not only incredibly fun to watch, but they are also very special in their reproduction. They reproduce themselves through both eggs and live birth. With proper care, sufficient light, and regular aeration, a sustainable colony will form that you can enjoy for years.

Contents of the complete Aquarium Kit:

• Aqua Dragons Tank: Specially developed transparent aquarium (15 x 3 x 15 cm) with colorful decoration.
• Egg sachet: Specially prepared eggs that hatch within 24 hours in water.
• Food for 1 year: High-quality special food that will last you a whole year.
• Dosing spoon / Scoop: To easily and accurately measure the correct amount of food.
• Oxygen Pipette: To maintain water quality and oxygen levels in the tank.
• Manuals: Comprehensive English manual and a clear Dutch A4 manual.

Key benefits at a glance:

• All-in-one Starter Kit: Ready to use immediately, including a special aquarium.
• Fast Hatching: See the first creatures swimming around within 24 hours.
• Optimal View: Slim aquarium design ensures you see the creatures up close.
• Includes 1 Year of Food: No extra costs for food during the first year.
• Educational & Fascinating: Educational for children and relaxing to watch.

Product specifications:

• Product: Aqua Dragons / Sea Monkeys Aquarium Kit
• Tank dimensions: 15 cm wide x 3 cm deep x 15 cm high
• Type of creatures: Brine shrimp (Artemia Salina)
• Hatching time: Approx. 24 hours after adding to water
• Application: Educational toy, aquarium hobby, unique gift

Grow your own underwater pets and watch them grow every day. Order the Aqua Dragons Aquarium Kit today!

Triops Breeding Starter Kit – Grow your own prehistoric underwater acrobats!

Do you want to bring a unique and fascinating underwater world to life? With the Triops Breeding Starter Kit, you can bring living fossils into your home! Triops are ancient aquatic creatures that have been swimming on Earth for hundreds of millions of years. They are known for their impressive acrobatic swimming skills: they do somersaults, perform spins, and swim upside down with ease!

Rapid growth and a lasting hobby

The Triops breeding process is incredibly dynamic and full of action:

• Day 1 - 2: The tiny nymphs hatch from their eggs within 24 to 48 hours!
• Day 10: The Triops grow rapidly and are fully mature after about 10 days (2 to 6 cm long).
• Week 2 - 3: From this period, they already start laying new eggs in the substrate.

After the adult creatures have completed their life cycle (20 to 80 days), you can dry the laid eggs and simply start over with the next batch. A hobby that never ends!

Fascinating behavior and unique characteristics

What is special about Triops is their enormous number of legs (35 to as many as 71 pairs!). When you sprinkle a food pellet in the water, you will see how they skillfully catch the food with their legs and transport it directly to their mouths. Because they are very active and constantly swim around, children and adults alike will never get bored!

What's included in the Triops Starter Kit?

• Triops Eggs: High-quality eggs mixed with breeding substrate.
• Special Triops Food: Tailored to the specific needs of young and adult creatures.
• Pipette: For easy dispensing of water and food, or for cleaning.
• Thermometer Sticker: For accurate control of the water temperature.
• Clear Instructions: Step-by-step guide for successful breeding.

What else do you need?

To start immediately, you will need to add the following yourself:

• Still spring water (start with max. 0.5 liters).
• A bowl or container (approx. 1 to 2 liters capacity). Also available to order above.
• A lamp that emits light and heat above the container, or a small heating element to maintain the water at a constant temperature of approx. 23 °C.

Key benefits at a glance:

• Rapid Results: Hatching within 24 to 48 hours.
• Endlessly Reusable: Continue breeding with the eggs your own Triops lay.
• Educational & Instructive: Great biology project about prehistoric life.
• Compact & Clear: No large or expensive aquarium setup required.

Product specifications:

• Product: Triops Breeding Starter Kit
• Maximum length: 2 to 6 cm (depending on space, food, and light)
• Ideal water temperature: Approx. 23 °C
• Lifespan: 20 to 80 days per generation
• Kit contents: Eggs, food, pipette, thermometer sticker, instructions

Get these extraordinary ancient creatures in your home today.