Japanese Boxer Mantis

Japanese Boxer Mantis key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

One generation a year; adults appear from September to December

Size

Males 25-32 mm, females 25-31 mm

Temperature

20〜25℃

Diet

Live insects (small crickets and flies; fruit flies and aphids for early instars)

Temperature & Humidity

The preferred range is 20-25 C, with a tolerance of roughly 15-30 C. Mist it or leave water in a shallow dish. As a small species, keep damp tissue in the container and mist finely enough that no large droplets form.

Breeding & Egg-laying

The ootheca is squarish and laid in hollows in stone or wood. Glue a collected ootheca to a stick with wood glue, put it in a container and keep it outdoors or in a cold room; a warm room will make it hatch in midwinter. Add damp tissue so it does not dry out.

Cohabitation

Like mantises generally it is cannibalistic, so house each one separately. Stand the container upright and add perching twigs. It is small and escapes through gaps, so trap a cloth between container and lid.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

It has one generation a year and overwinters as an ootheca, with adults from September to December. The similar Acromantis satsumensis is adult from May to July, so the season separates them.

Health & Notes

Even adults are only about 3 cm, so offer prey about a third of the body size. Feed fruit flies and aphids during the first two instars. Horsehair worm infection is known. It feigns death when threatened, so do not assume a motionless individual has died.

About Japanese Boxer Mantis

A small mantis (~3cm) native to forest edges in Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Known for feigning death when threatened, adults appear from September through December. Best suited to intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Japanese Boxer Mantis

1. 1Thanatosis as self-defense

   Feigning death — freezing completely still when it senses danger — is the Japanese Boxer Mantis's signature behavior. It isn't actually weak or hurt when it does this, so it's best to just observe quietly rather than disturb it.

2. 2A compact ~3cm mantis

   Even as adults, they measure just 25–32mm (males) and 25–31mm (females), making them one of the smaller mantis species. Their delicate build means they should be handled with extra care.

3. 3One generation per year

   This species produces only one generation annually, with adults appearing between September and December. Watching it develop through the seasons is part of the appeal.

4. 4Distinguishing from a lookalike

   The closely resembling Satsuma Boxer Mantis can be told apart mainly by differences in adult emergence timing. When acquiring one, it's worth confirming the species name and emergence period listed.

5. 5Forest-edge habitat preferences

   In the wild, this species lives in forests and forest edges across Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Enclosures that provide good airflow and moderate humidity suit it well.

6. 6Best for intermediate keepers

   Because of its small, delicate body, this species is generally recommended for keepers with some prior insect-keeping experience rather than absolute beginners. Reviewing basic care requirements beforehand is a good idea.

7. 7Preparing before you bring one home

   Set up an appropriately sized enclosure with branches or perches beforehand for a smooth transition. If it plays dead after arrival, avoid handling it and let it resume activity on its own.

Frequently asked questions about Japanese Boxer Mantis

Q.How big does the Japanese Boxer Mantis get?

A.Adults measure 25–32mm (males) and 25–31mm (females), with an overall body length of around 3cm. That makes it one of the smaller mantis species.

Q.What is thanatosis, or playing dead?

A.It's a behavior where the mantis freezes completely still when it senses danger. It's considered a natural defense response meant to avoid drawing further attention from predators.

Q.When are adults typically seen?

A.This species has one generation per year, with adults appearing between September and December. Outside that window, it's found in its nymph stage.

Q.How do you tell it apart from the Satsuma Boxer Mantis?

A.The two look very similar, but they're distinguished mainly by the timing of adult emergence. It's a good idea to confirm the listed species name when acquiring one.

Q.Is this species suitable for beginners?

A.Because of its small, delicate body, it's generally considered better suited to intermediate keepers. Gaining some basic insect-keeping experience first is recommended.

Useful tools for Japanese Boxer Mantis care

Learn more about Japanese Boxer Mantis in the encyclopedia

More in this category