© Amada44 / CC BY 3.0Spiny Flower Mantis
The Spiny Flower Mantis is a compact mantis native to southern and eastern Africa, reaching only about 4 cm as an adult. What makes it unforgettable are the bold eyespot markings in black, green, and cream on its forewings — patterns that shift and sharpen as the mantis matures, offering a rewarding show for anyone who enjoys watching an insect grow. Its common name comes from the spiky projections on the underside of its abdomen, a distinctive feature among mantis species. Alert and quick to strike at prey, it's an engaging subject for hobbyists who already have some insect-keeping experience. One caveat: this species is sensitive to excess humidity, so careful moisture control is essential.
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Spiny Flower Mantis key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- Adults 2-4 months
- Size
- About 4cm (females larger and broader)
- Temperature
- 26℃
- Humidity
- 60%
- Diet
- Flying prey such as moths and flies (fruit flies for nymphs)
- Temperature & Humidity
- Ideal around 26C with a range of 25-30C, and keep nights above 18C. Humidity demands are modest at around 60%. Excess moisture leads to fatal infections, so mist only about three times a week and ventilate well to prevent mould. Adults do better slightly dry than too wet.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- Breeding is not easy but is possible with experience of other species. Females can turn very aggressive, so feed her well before introducing the male to her enclosure. Keep oothecae in the same conditions as the adults and guard against mould. One ootheca yields 30-55 nymphs.
- Cohabitation
- A cannibalistic species that will eat anything of the right size that moves, including its own kind. Nymphs can be housed together up to the fourth instar, but the risk rises with every moult.
- Lifespan & Rearing Period
- No reliable figure for adult lifespan is available. Females mature after seven moults and males after six; females have six or seven abdominal segments and males eight. In adults the female's wings reach nearly to the end of the abdomen while the male's extend past it.
- Health & Notes
- Too small for large prey such as adult locusts; moths and flies suit it better than crickets. The cage needs to be at least 15cm high and 10cm wide, with about 20 x 15 x 15cm preferable. White or yellow artificial flowers show off its camouflage. It drinks from misted droplets, so spraying also waters it.
About Spiny Flower Mantis
Discover the Spiny Flower Mantis, a striking 4cm African mantis with bold eyespot patterns. Learn about its temperament, care difficulty, and what to know before bringing one home.
7 things to know before welcoming a Spiny Flower Mantis
1Intermediate-Level Care
The Spiny Flower Mantis is generally considered suited to keepers with some experience. Because it's sensitive to excess humidity and needs careful ventilation, it's best approached after you've kept insects before.
2Humidity Needs Care
This species dislikes overly humid conditions. Mist sparingly and keep the enclosure well-ventilated so moisture doesn't linger — balancing airflow and humidity is one of the key challenges in keeping this mantis.
3Its Look Changes With Age
As the mantis molts through its nymph stages toward adulthood, its coloring and eyespot markings gradually shift. By adulthood, the bold black, green, and cream eyespots on the forewings become fully visible, making the transformation part of the appeal.
4Best Kept Solitary
Mantises are prone to cannibalism, so each individual should have its own enclosure. Housing multiples together significantly raises the risk of one eating another.
5Needs Live Prey
This species eats live insects such as crickets or fruit flies rather than plant matter or prepared food. Prey size should be adjusted to match the mantis's current size as it grows.
6Spiky Abdomen, Named for It
The spike-like projections on the underside of the abdomen are exactly where the name "Spiny Flower Mantis" comes from. They're a purely visual feature and pose no danger to keepers.
7Prep the Enclosure First
Before bringing one home, set up a well-ventilated enclosure with branches or mesh the mantis can grip while molting. Adults reach about 4 cm, with females noticeably larger and broader than males.
Frequently asked questions about Spiny Flower Mantis
- Q.Can beginners keep this species?
- A.The Spiny Flower Mantis is generally considered an intermediate-level species. Because it's sensitive to excess humidity and requires careful moisture management, it's best suited to keepers with some prior insect-keeping experience.
- Q.What should I feed it?
- A.Feed it live insects such as crickets or fruit flies. It's important to adjust prey size to match the mantis's growth stage.
- Q.Can multiple mantises share one enclosure?
- A.Mantises are prone to cannibalism, so each one is generally kept in its own separate enclosure. Housing them together significantly increases the risk of cannibalism.
- Q.How big does it get as an adult?
- A.Adults reach about 4 cm in length. Females tend to be larger and broader-bodied than males.
- Q.What is the purpose of the eyespots on its wings?
- A.The bold black, green, and cream eyespots on the forewings are thought to function as a startle display against predators. When threatened, the mantis flares its wings to reveal the pattern, which is believed to help deter would-be attackers.
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