© Vengolis / CC BY-SA 4.0Jeweled Flower Mantis
The Jeweled Flower Mantis (Creobroter species) is a small flower mantis native to a wide range spanning South Asia, Southeast Asia, and southern China. Its bright green-and-white body is set off by swirling eyespot patterns on the forewings, giving it a striking look even among flower mantises. Though one of the smaller species in the Creobroter genus, its broad natural range points to good hardiness and adaptability. Because it can be raised on fruit flies for its entire life, it's often recommended as an entry point into mantis keeping. Its slow, deliberate movements make it easy to observe, which suits beginners who want to take their time getting to know their pet.
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Jeweled Flower Mantis key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- About nine months in captivity
- Size
- Males about 3.8cm, females slightly larger
- Temperature
- 25℃
- Humidity
- 60〜80%
- Diet
- Fruit flies, house flies, bottle flies and other flying insects
- Temperature & Humidity
- Guidance for the congeneric Indian flower mantis (C. pictipennis) gives an ideal of about 25C, with 23-30C acceptable and nights down to 17C. It prefers 60-80% humidity, misted about four times a week depending on ventilation.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- Mating is possible 2-4 weeks after the final moult. Make sure the female is fully fed before introducing the male to her enclosure, and remove him once the hours-long mating ends. An ootheca holds up to 50 eggs and hatches in about five weeks in good conditions. Keep oothecae in the same conditions as the adults and watch for mould.
- Cohabitation
- Females can be cannibalistic, but males are fairly communal. Cannibalism is said to be more frequent than in other flower mantises, though it is still uncommon. Constantly fed nymphs in a roomy cage can stay together until about the fifth instar.
- Lifespan & Rearing Period
- Lifespan in captivity is about nine months. Adulthood follows eight moults, and maturity takes two to five months depending on feeding and temperature.
- Health & Notes
- Being small it can live on fruit flies for life, and takes house flies and bottle flies readily. Crickets are possible, but flies suit it better. The cage must be at least three times its body length in height, so about 12cm high and 8cm wide is enough even for adults. It is quick, adults bolt when startled and males fly well, so open the enclosure carefully.
About Jeweled Flower Mantis
The Jeweled Flower Mantis is a small, hardy mantis with striking green-and-white coloring and swirling eyespots—a popular entry point for first-time mantis keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Jeweled Flower Mantis
1Beginner-Friendly Difficulty
The Jeweled Flower Mantis is generally rated as beginner-friendly. With basic temperature and humidity control and a steady feeding routine, it's manageable even for someone keeping a mantis for the first time.
2About a 9-Month Lifespan
In captivity, this mantis typically lives around 9 months. Since mantises are short-lived insects, how much time you get to enjoy watching yours depends on how mature it already is when you bring it home.
3Males and Females Differ in Size
Adult males reach about 3.8cm, while females grow somewhat larger. Males tend to be slimmer and more active fliers, while females are typically stockier and more solidly built.
4Fed on Fruit Flies for Life
Because it stays small throughout its life, this mantis can be raised on fruit flies from nymph to adult. That means less hassle sourcing larger prey like crickets, keeping day-to-day feeding simple.
5Signature Forewing Eyespots
Its signature feature is the swirling eyespot pattern on the forewings, set against a striking green-and-white body. It sometimes strikes a threat display that shows off this pattern, which is part of the fun of keeping one.
6Best Kept Solitary
Mantises are prone to cannibalism, so it's best to house each one alone rather than together in a shared enclosure. A small plastic case or insect enclosure provides plenty of room for a single mantis.
7Watch Out for Molting Issues
Mantises molt several times as they grow, and they're especially vulnerable during each molt. Giving them tall enough perches and keeping humidity appropriate helps reduce the risk of a failed molt.
Frequently asked questions about Jeweled Flower Mantis
- Q.Is this mantis suitable for beginners?
- A.Yes — it's classified as beginner-friendly. With basic temperature and humidity control and a consistent feeding routine, it's a good choice for a first mantis, and it can be raised on small prey for its entire life.
- Q.How long do they live?
- A.In captivity, lifespan is roughly 9 months. How much of that you get to observe depends on how mature the mantis already is when you bring it home.
- Q.Do males and females differ in size?
- A.Yes — adult males reach about 3.8cm, while females grow somewhat larger. Males also tend to be slimmer and more active, while females are typically stockier.
- Q.What should I feed it?
- A.Because it stays small, it can be fed fruit flies from nymph to adult throughout its entire life. There's little need to switch to larger prey like crickets, which keeps feeding simple.
- Q.Can I keep more than one together?
- A.No — mantises are cannibalistic, so each one should be housed alone rather than together in the same enclosure. A small container provides plenty of space for a single mantis.
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