(Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii)
Category
Requirement
Temp
75–82°F
Humidity
40–60%
Mist
Lightly, 2–4× weekly
Diet
Flies, roaches, small crickets
Enclosure
6×6×10” adult
Difficulty
Easy–moderate
The Spiny Flower Mantis is one of the most striking and beginner-friendly mantis species in the hobby. With their ornate patterns, defensive “eye spot” wings, and energetic hunting style, they make a spectacular display species.
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🏠 Enclosure
• Size:
• Nymphs (L2–L4): 4×4×6”
• Juveniles/Adults: Minimum 6×6×10”
• Design:
• Height is more important than width—mantises need room to molt.
• Provide multiple vertical perches (twigs, fake flowers, cork bark).
• Good ventilation is essential to prevent mold and stuck molts.
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🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
• Temperature: 75–82°F
• Humidity: 40–60%
• Mist lightly 2–4× per week. They don’t like it wet—too much moisture can kill them.
• Let the enclosure dry out between mists.
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💡 Lighting
Not required, but bright ambient light helps show off colors and stimulates natural behavior.
Avoid direct heat lamps—Spiny Flower Mantises overheat easily.
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🍽️ Feeding
They are ferocious hunters!
• Nymph diet:
• Fruit flies (D. hydei), curly-wing flies, baby dubias, or small crickets.
• Sub-adult/adult diet:
• House flies, blue bottle flies, small roaches, moths.
• Frequency:
• Nymphs: every 1–2 days
• Adults: every 2–3 days
• Remove leftover prey during molts.
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🦋 Molting
• Ensure plenty of height and dry periods between misting.
• Never feed or disturb during a molt.
Signs a molt is coming:
• Reduced appetite
• Hanging upside-down more often
• Swollen thorax and faint wing pad outlines in later instars
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🧬 Temperament
• Active, alert, and very visual.
• More skittish than larger mantis species but rarely aggressive.
• Females can be territorial—avoid communal housing.
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🧩 Sexing
• Females: Larger, wider abdomen, 6 usable abdominal segments.
• Males: Smaller, thinner abdomen, longer antennae, 8 segments.
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🐣 Adult Lifespan
• Females: ~10–12 months
• Males: ~6–8 months
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❌ Common Mistakes
• Too much humidity
• Enclosures that are too big for tiny nymphs (they can’t find food)
• Overheating
• Leaving feeders in during a molt
• Keeping multiple mantises together