Types of Mantises and Care Guide 2026 Edition | Characteristics Comparison of 10 Recommended Japanese and Imported Species
Mantises are fascinating insects with unique morphology and hunting instincts. From native Japanese species to large tropical varieties, various types are kept by enthusiasts. This article explains the characteristics and care difficulty of 10 popular species as of 2026, as well as recommended species for beginners.
Basics of Mantis Care
Mantis Ecology and Characteristics
Mantises (蟷螂, scientific name: Order Mantodea) are predatory insects with over 2,400 species worldwide.
Common characteristics:
- Ambush-type predation using front legs (sickle-shaped legs)
- Marked sexual dimorphism between males and females (females are larger)
- Incomplete metamorphosis from hatching to adulthood
- Carnivorous and prefer live food
- Strong territorial instinct, typically solitary
Basic Care Specifications
| Item | Standard Setting |
|---|
| Enclosure | Height at least 3-4 times the adult body length |
| Temperature | Varies by species (see below) |
| Humidity | Varies by species (see below) |
| Food | Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, fruit flies |
| Feeding Frequency | Once every 3-5 days (nymphs: once every 2-3 days) |
4 Native Japanese Mantis Species
1. Giant Asian Mantis (Tenodera sinensis)
Japan's largest native species. Adults reach 70-100mm in body length (females).
Characteristics:
- Distributed throughout Japan (except Hokkaido)
- Well-developed wings with flight capability
- High adaptability and easy to care for
- Egg cases produce hundreds of nymphs upon hatching
Care Difficulty: ★★☆ (Beginner-friendly)
Recommended Temperature: 20-28℃
Humidity: 40-60%
2. Korean Mantis (Tenodera angustipennis)
Similar morphology to the Giant Asian Mantis but slimmer and slightly smaller (60-90mm).
Characteristics:
- Distributed throughout Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu
- Slimmer body than Giant Asian Mantis
- Care methods nearly identical to Giant Asian Mantis
Care Difficulty: ★★☆ (Beginner-friendly)
3. Broad-belly Mantis (Hierodula patellifera)
Characterized by a broad abdomen and stocky body shape. Approximately 60-80mm.
Characteristics:
- Strong arboreal tendency, commonly found on trees and grass
- Individuals may be green or brown
- Relatively docile temperament
Care Difficulty: ★★☆ (Beginner-friendly)
Recommended Temperature: 22-28℃
4. Little Mantis (Statilia maculata)
The smallest native mantis species. Body length 35-55mm. Front wings have white spots.
Characteristics:
- Short wings, flightless (wingless or vestigial wings)
- Lives on the ground surface under stone walls and leaf litter
- Adapts well to small live food
Care Difficulty: ★☆☆ (Especially easy)
Suitable Food: Small crickets, fruit flies
6 Popular Imported Mantis Species
5. Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus)
One of the most popular imported mantis species as the "flower-mimicking mantis." Native to Malaysia and Indonesia.
Characteristics:
- White and pink coloration resembling flower petals
- Body length: 60-80mm females, 25-35mm males
- Mimics flowers on trees to capture insects
Care Difficulty: ★★★ (Intermediate to Advanced)
Recommended Temperature: 26-30℃
Humidity: 60-80% (High humidity required)
Notes: Sensitive to low temperatures and dryness. High nymph mortality rate.
6. Devil's Flower Mantis (Idolomantis diabolica)
One of the largest mantis species (females over 130mm), called the "King of Mantises." Native to Ethiopia and Kenya.
Characteristics:
- Extremely large and impressive
- High care difficulty for nymphs, suitable for experts
- Relatively short adult lifespan (4-6 months)
Care Difficulty: ★★★★★ (Advanced only)
Recommended Temperature: 28-35℃ (High temperature required)
Humidity: 40-60% (Slightly dry)
7. Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa)
Leaf-mimicking appearance resembling dried leaves. Native to Africa and Madagascar.
Characteristics:
- Perfectly mimics dead leaves in body shape and coloration
- Body length approximately 40-60mm
- Relatively docile and easy to care for
Care Difficulty: ★★☆ (Intermediate)
Recommended Temperature: 22-28℃
Humidity: 40-60%
Notes: Relatively drought-tolerant. Easier to raise through nymph stage than other species.
8. Cream-colored Blind Spot Mantis (Ceratomantis saussurii)
Small species with beautiful white coloration. Native to Thailand and Malaysia.
Characteristics:
- Body length approximately 40-60mm
- Beautiful cream to white coloration
- Relatively docile and easy to handle
Care Difficulty: ★★☆ (Intermediate)
Recommended Temperature: 25-30℃
Humidity: 60-75%
9. Violet-winged Mantis (Theopropus elegans)
Southeast Asian species with beautiful green and white coloration.
Characteristics:
- 60-70mm females, 50-60mm males
- Striking contrast between green and white
- Moderate care difficulty
Care Difficulty: ★★★ (Intermediate)
Recommended Temperature: 25-30℃
Humidity: 60-80%
10. Oto Mantis (Otomantis scutigera)
Relatively easy-to-care-for small species from South Africa.
Characteristics:
- Body length 50-70mm
- Displays threat posture (spreading brightly colored wings) when stressed
- Comparatively low care difficulty
Care Difficulty: ★★☆ (Intermediate)
Recommended Temperature: 22-28℃
Humidity: 40-60%
Common Care Tips
Food Types and Management
Live food is essential for mantis feeding.
Food by nymph stage:
| Nymph Stage | Suitable Food |
|------------|---------|
| 1st-2nd instar | Fruit flies, tiny crickets |
| 3rd-4th instar | Small crickets, small dubia roaches |
| 5th-6th instar and beyond | Medium to large crickets, dubia roaches |
| Adults | Large crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, occasionally two-spotted crickets |
Feeding precautions:
- Feed size should be 1/2 to 1/3 of the mantis's body length (oversized food is dangerous)
- Do not feed before or after molting (prey insects may attack molting mantises)
- Do not feed for 48 hours after molting
Enclosure and Environment
Enclosure selection:
- Well-ventilated mesh enclosure or reptile enclosure with partial mesh
- Space to hang from the top is necessary (for molting)
- Light misting is needed for water absorption (avoid oversaturating)
Misting method:
- Light mist on enclosure walls (mantises drink from water droplets)
- Excess humidity is harmful, so once daily misting is recommended
- Humidity requirements vary by species, so verify accordingly
Summary
Mantis species vary greatly in care difficulty, required temperature/humidity, and size. Beginners are recommended to start with native species such as the Giant Asian Mantis or Little Mantis, then progress to imported varieties like the Ghost Mantis or Orchid Mantis as they gain experience.
For all species, the three key points to successful mantis keeping are: "proper management before and after molting," "providing appropriately-sized live food," and "maintaining correct temperature and humidity."
