(Sphodromantis viridis)
Category
Requirement
Temp
75–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
Mist
Lightly every 2–3 days
Diet
Flies, roaches, crickets
Enclosure
8×8×12” adult
Difficulty
Beginner-friendly
The African Mantis is hardy, bold, and one of the best species for beginners. They grow large, eat aggressively, and are incredibly forgiving of small care mistakes, making them a fantastic display insect.
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🏠 Enclosure
• Size:
• Nymphs: 4×4×6”
• Sub-adults/Adults: 8×8×12”+
• Setup:
• Vertical space is key for safe molting.
• Use branches, twigs, live or artificial plants, cork bark, etc.
• Cross-ventilation helps prevent mold.
• Substrate: Optional — paper towel, coconut fiber, or nothing.
• They don’t require high humidity so substrate isn’t essential.
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🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
• Temperature: 75–85°F (sweet spot around 78–82°F)
• Humidity: 40–60%
• Mist lightly every 2–3 days; they drink droplets but do not need high humidity.
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💡 Lighting
Ambient room lighting is fine; no special UV needed.
Avoid heat lamps directly on the enclosure—they can overheat quickly.
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🍽️ Feeding
African mantises are hungry, fast-growing predators.
• Nymph diet:
• Fruit flies (hydei), small crickets, pinhead dubias, tiny red runners
• Older nymphs / Adults:
• Blue bottle flies, house flies, mealworms/superworms (occasionally), medium roaches, medium crickets
• Frequency:
• Nymphs: Every 1–2 days
• Adults: Every 2–3 days
• Remove uneaten prey during molts — crickets especially can injure them.
They eat more than most species, so don’t be afraid to feed generously.
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🦋 Molting
Signs of an upcoming molt:
• Refuses food
• Hangs upside down more
• Looks “plump” in the thorax
Do not disturb or feed during molting.
Ensure climbing space and avoid misting for 24 hours before/after a molt.
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🧬 Temperament
• Bold, interactive, and not easily scared
• Great for handling (gentle, brief handling only)
• Females can be territorial — do not keep communally
• Known for strong feeding responses
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🧩 Sexing
• Females:
• Larger, heavier build
• Shorter antennae
• 6 visible abdominal segments
• Males:
• Slimmer, more delicate
• Longer wings and antennae
• 8 segments
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🐣 Lifespan
• Females: 10–14 months
• Males: 6–9 months
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❌ Common Mistakes
• Overheating
• Over-humidifying
• Using feeders that are too large
• Leaving crickets in during molts
• Enclosures too big for tiny nymphs (hard to find food)