Blepharopsis are middle-sized mantids and belongs to the normal- type. They are food- specialized for flying insects.

Blepharopsis belongs also to the Empusidae, so they are not able to climb glass.

Blepharopsis is living in bushes which are situated in dry and hot habitats.

Mantids from this genus are not very aggressive, so they could be kept together until L5/ L6. Bigger nymphs should be seperated by sex or should be single-kept.

You can sex them by counting the abdomial appendages (L4 and up). Females have 5 appendages and males have 6 (shown at the pictures below).

Male

Female

At present, at least 1 species and 2 subspecies are described, Blepharopsis mendica mendica (FABRICIUS, 1775) and B. mendica nuda (GIGLIO-TOSS, 1917).

Typical look of the nymphs:

• L2: black/ redbrown, no mimikry
  
• L3: light-brown, no black stripes anymore
  
• L4: appendages are recognizable

Blepharopsis are very interesting mantids. Adults are striped and have a very nice light- green color. They can be kept easily, but the breeding needs some experience with mantids.