Source: Wikimedia Commons
Praying Mantis
BeginnerA popular insect catching prey with scythe-like forelegs. Many enthusiasts keep them as pets.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
20〜28℃
Lifespan
Adult 3-6 months
Size
40-100mm
Humidity
60〜80%
Diet
Insects (Crickets etc.)
About
Mantises are an order (Mantodea) of insects that contains over 2,400 species in about 460 genera in 33 families. The largest family is the Mantidae ("mantids"). Mantises are distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats. They have triangular heads with bulging eyes supported on flexible necks. Their elongated bodies may or may not have wings, but all mantodeans have forelegs that are greatly enlarged and adapted for catching and gripping prey; their upright posture, while remaining stationary with forearms folded, resembling a praying posture, has led to the common name praying mantis.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Lifespan
Adult 3-6 months
Size
40-100mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Diet
Insects (Crickets etc.)
Care Guide
Housing
Tall case to secure molting space
Feeding
Feed live insects
Breeding
Female may eat male after mating
Notes
Failed molt is biggest risk. Humidity management key
Praying MantisPredatorMoltingPopular insect
Praying Mantis FAQ
QHow difficult is it to keep Praying Mantis?
A
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Praying Mantis?
A
The ideal temperature for Praying Mantis is 20〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Praying Mantis?
A
The average lifespan of Praying Mantis is Adult 3-6 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
QHow large does Praying Mantis get?
A
Praying Mantis typically reaches 40-100mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
QWhat should I feed Praying Mantis?
A
Praying Mantis feeds on: Insects (Crickets etc.). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
QWhat is the typical price for Praying Mantis?
A
The price of Praying Mantis varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Browse Insect ListingsRelated Articles
Praying Mantis Care & Breeding Guide — Fascinating Predator Ecology
Praying mantis care and breeding: species selection, enclosure setup, live feeding, mating precautions, ootheca management, and nymph rearing.
Praying Mantis Care Guide
A beginner's guide to keeping mantids: care for orchid mantis and Japanese giant mantis, feeding live insects, molt management, breeding basics, and essential safety precautions.
How Much Does Insect Keeping Cost? Monthly Running Costs Explained
Monthly insect keeping costs for beetles and stag beetles: substrate, jelly, temperature control, and annual breeding cost estimates.
Insect Lifespan — Adult & Larval Stages of Beetles and Stag Beetles
Beetle and stag beetle lifespans by species for both adults and larvae, with tips on temperature and diet to extend adult longevity.