Chinese Mantis
- Care level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 8–10 cm
- Habitat needs
- Vertical, ventilated enclosure; moderate humidity
- Temperament
- Generally calm
- Beginner fit
- Yes
Ghost Mantis are on sale for Halloween! Only a few mantis breeders are in the USA. Prices and availability are limited.
Ghost Mantis are on sale for Halloween! Only a few mantis breeders are in the USA. Prices and availability are limited.
Discover the World of Praying Mantis
Our focus has veered towards the study of beneficial insects for pestcontroland a sustainable supply of pollinators for our nations agriculture. Our Mission is to bring professional services and information for the care of your insects, to serve you and help allGods'creatures. A place to learn that is safe without judgement or criticism.
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orchid mantis evolutionary research
The orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) transitions from black-and-red to pink-white coloration during development, a shift driven by the Redboy pigment transporter. This transition serves different ecological functions: red coloration helps...
orchid mantis evolutionary research
The orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) transitions from black-and-red to pink-white...
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Do insects have feelings? Love or Hate? What’s ...
The entomology literature has historically suggested insects cannot feel pain, leading to their exclusion from ethical debates and animal welfare legislation.
Do insects have feelings? Love or Hate? What’s ...
The entomology literature has historically suggested insects cannot feel pain,...
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How Praying Mantises Hear: One ear
The mantis is the only animal known to listen to its world through one ear; what it often hears is bats zeroing in to eat it.Scientists long thought that praying...
Compare mantis species
Live mantises need species-appropriate care, suitable housing, and a reliable food supply. Review our care guide before choosing a species.
| Species | Care level | Adult size | Habitat needs | Temperament | Beginner fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Mantis | Beginner | 8–10 cm | Vertical, ventilated enclosure; moderate humidity | Generally calm | Yes |
| African Mantis | Beginner | 6–8 cm | Warm, ventilated enclosure; moderate humidity | Active; handle gently | Yes |
| Ghost Mantis | Intermediate | 4–5 cm | Fine climbing surfaces; moderate humidity | Camouflaged, usually calm | With Experience |
| Dead Leaf Mantis | Intermediate | 7–9 cm | Vertical space, foliage, stable humidity | Defensive when disturbed | With Experience |
| Orchid Mantis | Advanced | 5–7 cm | Warm, humid, well-ventilated enclosure | Delicate; minimize handling | No |
| Budwing Mantis | Intermediate | 5–7 cm | Dry-to-moderate humidity; climbing space | Can be defensive | With Experience |
African Mantis
- Care level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 6–8 cm
- Habitat needs
- Warm, ventilated enclosure; moderate humidity
- Temperament
- Active; handle gently
- Beginner fit
- Yes
Ghost Mantis
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 4–5 cm
- Habitat needs
- Fine climbing surfaces; moderate humidity
- Temperament
- Camouflaged, usually calm
- Beginner fit
- With Experience
Dead Leaf Mantis
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 7–9 cm
- Habitat needs
- Vertical space, foliage, stable humidity
- Temperament
- Defensive when disturbed
- Beginner fit
- With Experience
Orchid Mantis
- Care level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 5–7 cm
- Habitat needs
- Warm, humid, well-ventilated enclosure
- Temperament
- Delicate; minimize handling
- Beginner fit
- No
Budwing Mantis
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 5–7 cm
- Habitat needs
- Dry-to-moderate humidity; climbing space
- Temperament
- Can be defensive
- Beginner fit
- With Experience
No species match this care level.
Compare mantis species
Live mantises need species-appropriate care, suitable housing, and a reliable food supply. Review our care guide before choosing a species.
| Species | Care level | Adult size | Habitat needs | Temperament | Beginner fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Mantis | Beginner | 8–10 cm | Vertical, ventilated enclosure; moderate humidity | Generally calm | Yes |
| African Mantis | Beginner | 6–8 cm | Warm, ventilated enclosure; moderate humidity | Active; handle gently | Yes |
| Ghost Mantis | Intermediate | 4–5 cm | Fine climbing surfaces; moderate humidity | Camouflaged, usually calm | With Experience |
| Dead Leaf Mantis | Intermediate | 7–9 cm | Vertical space, foliage, stable humidity | Defensive when disturbed | With Experience |
| Orchid Mantis | Advanced | 5–7 cm | Warm, humid, well-ventilated enclosure | Delicate; minimize handling | No |
| Budwing Mantis | Intermediate | 5–7 cm | Dry-to-moderate humidity; climbing space | Can be defensive | With Experience |
Chinese Mantis
- Care level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 8–10 cm
- Habitat needs
- Vertical, ventilated enclosure; moderate humidity
- Temperament
- Generally calm
- Beginner fit
- Yes
African Mantis
- Care level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 6–8 cm
- Habitat needs
- Warm, ventilated enclosure; moderate humidity
- Temperament
- Active; handle gently
- Beginner fit
- Yes
Ghost Mantis
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 4–5 cm
- Habitat needs
- Fine climbing surfaces; moderate humidity
- Temperament
- Camouflaged, usually calm
- Beginner fit
- With Experience
Dead Leaf Mantis
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 7–9 cm
- Habitat needs
- Vertical space, foliage, stable humidity
- Temperament
- Defensive when disturbed
- Beginner fit
- With Experience
Orchid Mantis
- Care level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 5–7 cm
- Habitat needs
- Warm, humid, well-ventilated enclosure
- Temperament
- Delicate; minimize handling
- Beginner fit
- No
Budwing Mantis
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 5–7 cm
- Habitat needs
- Dry-to-moderate humidity; climbing space
- Temperament
- Can be defensive
- Beginner fit
- With Experience
No species match this care level.
Helpful information
- Fruit fly care sheet
- Habitat recommendations for praying mantis
- Habitat size requirements for praying mantis
- How to train your praying mantis
- Beneficial insects for controlling pests
- Care Sheets for Praying Mantis Species
- Glossary
- Conversion for Temperatures and Measurement
- How to make a habitat for a praying mantis
- Are Praying Mantis Good People s for Kids?