Praying Mantises for Beginners
Praying mantises are some of the most fascinating and diverse insects on Earth. With over 2,400 species worldwide, their captivating behaviors, unique adaptations, and ecological importance have intrigued scientists and enthusiasts alike. In this guide, we’ll explore 33 mantis species in-depth, offering detailed care guides, rare conservation efforts, and debunking common myths. Whether you’re a budding entomologist or an experienced mantis keeper, this comprehensive resource is your authoritative guide.
Overview of Praying Mantises
Praying mantises belong to the order Mantodea, comprising over 2,400 species across 15 families. Known for their predatory skills and upright posture, these insects are found in diverse habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. Their elongated bodies, triangular heads, and raptorial forelegs make them highly adapted for ambush predation.
Key Adaptations:
- Vision: Mantises have compound eyes capable of 3D vision, allowing precise depth perception.
- Camouflage: Many species mimic leaves, flowers, or bark, blending seamlessly into their environment.
Detailed Care Guides for 33 Mantis Species
1. Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa)
- Habitat: Native to Africa, preferring dry forests and savannahs.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
- Humidity: 50-70%
- Diet: Feeds on small insects like fruit flies and crickets.
- Special Note: Their leaf-like appearance makes them a popular choice for beginners.
2. Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus)
- Habitat: Found in Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 60-80%
- Diet: Prefers flying insects such as moths.
- Special Note: Renowned for their floral mimicry, they’re one of the most visually stunning species.
3. Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis)
- Habitat: Native to Asia but widely introduced in North America.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
- Humidity: 40-60%
- Diet: Larger insects like grasshoppers and roaches.
- Special Note: This species is hardy and ideal for outdoor rearing.
4. Devil’s Flower Mantis (Idolomantis diabolica)
- Habitat: Native to East Africa, particularly Tanzania and Kenya.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 80-90°F (27-32°C)
- Humidity: 50-60%
- Diet: Prefers flying insects like moths.
- Special Note: Known as one of the largest and most colorful mantis species.
5. Spiny Flower Mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii)
- Habitat: Found in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 60-80%
- Diet: Small flying insects such as flies.
- Special Note: Displays striking spiral patterns on its wings.
6. European Mantis (Mantis religiosa)
- Habitat: Widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
- Humidity: 40-50%
- Diet: Feeds on a variety of insects.
- Special Note: Recognized as the most widespread mantis species globally.
7. Indian Flower Mantis (Creobroter pictipennis)
- Habitat: Native to South Asia.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 50-70%
- Diet: Flying insects like houseflies.
- Special Note: Popular for its compact size and floral appearance.
8. Budwing Mantis (Parasphendale agrionina)
- Habitat: Native to East Africa.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 50-70%
- Diet: Medium-sized insects such as crickets.
- Special Note: Hardy and well-suited for beginners.
9. Malaysian Blue Mantis (Hierodula membranacea)
- Habitat: Found in Southeast Asia.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 60-70%
- Diet: Larger prey like roaches and crickets.
- Special Note: Known for its vibrant blue coloration.
10. African Twig Mantis (Popa spurca)
- Habitat: Found in Africa’s dry regions.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 40-50%
- Diet: Small to medium-sized insects.
- Special Note: Masters of twig mimicry, blending perfectly with branches.
11. Dead Leaf Mantis (Deroplatys desiccata)
- Habitat: Southeast Asian rainforests.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 70-80%
- Diet: Crickets and flies.
- Special Note: Mimics dead leaves for stealth.
12. Giant Asian Mantis (Hierodula patellifera)
- Habitat: Tropical and subtropical Asia.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
- Humidity: 50-60%
- Diet: Grasshoppers and roaches.
- Special Note: Known for its large size and voracious appetite.
13. Indian Stick Mantis (Pharnacia serratipes)
- Habitat: South Asian forests.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 50-70%
- Diet: Insects of suitable size.
- Special Note: Its stick-like appearance makes it an expert at avoiding predators.
14. Peruvian Shield Mantis (Choeradodis stalii)
- Habitat: South American rainforests.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 80-90°F (27-32°C)
- Humidity: 70-80%
- Diet: Flying insects.
- Special Note: Features a unique shield-like thorax, aiding in camouflage among leaves.
15. Gambian Spotted-eye Mantis (Pseudocreobotra ocellata)
- Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 60-70%
- Diet: Flying insects.
- Special Note: Eye-like spots on wings deter predators.
16. Arizona Unicorn Mantis (Pseudovates arizonae)
- Habitat: Southwestern U.S.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
- Humidity: 30-40%
- Diet: Small insects.
- Special Note: Named for its unique horn-like projection.
17. Flower Mantis (Creobroter elongatus)
- Habitat: Southeast Asia.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 50-70%
- Diet: Flying insects like flies and moths.
- Special Note: Vibrant flower patterns for camouflage.
18. Shield Mantis (Rhombodera basalis)
- Habitat: Tropical Asia.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 60-70%
- Diet: Larger prey like grasshoppers.
- Special Note: Features a large shield-like thorax.
19. Madagascan Marbled Mantis (Polyspilota aeruginosa)
- Habitat: Madagascar.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 60-70%
- Diet: Medium-sized insects.
20. African Stick Mantis (Hoplocorypha macra)
- Habitat: African savannahs and dry forests.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 40-60%
- Diet: Crickets and grasshoppers.
- Special Note: Known for its elongated body, resembling twigs to evade predators.
21. Peruvian Bark Mantis (Choeradodis rhombicollis)
- Habitat: South American rainforests.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 70-80%
- Diet: Flying insects.
- Special Note: Its flattened body mimics tree bark for camouflage.
22. Borneo Giant Mantis (Hierodula majuscula)
- Habitat: Bornean rainforests.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-90°F (24-32°C)
- Humidity: 50-70%
- Diet: Large insects like grasshoppers and moths.
- Special Note: One of the largest mantis species, reaching up to 10 cm.
23. Sri Lankan Shield Mantis (Rhombodera megaera)
- Habitat: Forested regions of Sri Lanka.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 50-70%
- Diet: Large flying insects like moths.
- Special Note: Features an expansive shield-like thorax for camouflage and intimidation.
24. Vietnamese Mossy Mantis (Theopropus pulchellus)
- Habitat: Southeast Asian rainforests.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 70-80%
- Diet: Small flying insects like fruit flies and moths.
- Special Note: Its mossy texture blends with lichen-covered trees.
25. Brazilian Dragon Mantis (Stenophylla cornigera)
- Habitat: South American rainforests.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 70-80%
- Diet: Flying insects.
- Special Note: Spiny features give it a dragon-like appearance.
26. Indian Rose Mantis (Hestiasula brunneriana)
- Habitat: Indian subcontinent.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 50-70%
- Diet: Crickets and flies.
- Special Note: Pinkish hues mimic flower petals.
27. Jeweled Flower Mantis (Creobroter gemmatus)
- Habitat: Southeast Asia.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 50-70%
- Diet: Flying insects like flies and moths.
- Special Note: Stunning jeweled patterns make it a collector’s favorite.
28. Tanzanian Ground Mantis (Tarachodes afzelii)
- Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 40-50%
- Diet: Ground-dwelling insects like beetles.
- Special Note: This terrestrial species thrives with substrate-heavy enclosures.
29. Malaysian Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus)
- Habitat: Malaysian rainforests.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 60-80%
- Diet: Flying insects like butterflies.
- Special Note: Renowned for its resemblance to orchid flowers.
30. Madagascan Bark Mantis (Polyspilota aeruginosa)
- Habitat: Madagascar.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 60-70%
- Diet: Medium-sized insects.
- Special Note: Adapted for bark mimicry.
31. Green Shield Mantis (Rhombodera basalis)
- Habitat: Tropical Asia.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 60-70%
- Diet: Larger prey like grasshoppers.
- Special Note: Features a large, shield-like thorax.
32. Philippine Flower Mantis (Hestiasula minor)
- Habitat: Philippines.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 60-70%
- Diet: Flying insects.
- Special Note: Compact species with delicate floral patterns.
33. Indian Jungle Mantis (Hierodula tenuidentata)
- Habitat: Indian forests.
- Care Tips:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Humidity: 50-70%
- Diet: Larger insects like crickets.
- Special Note: Robust and ideal for beginners.
Where next?
Complete Guide to Breeding Mantises
How to Care for Mantis Egg Sacs (Ootheca): Essential Tips for Successful Hatching