Common name(s): African flower mantis, Kenyan flower mantis
Difficulty: Beginner
Size: males up to 1” (2.5cm); females up to 1.5” (3.5cm)
Lifespan: males up to 6 months; females up to 10 months
Recommended enclosure size by instar:
– 1i-3i: 2oz deli cup (2×2″/5×5cm)
– 4i-6i: 2/5.5oz deli cup (3×3″/8×8cm)
– 7i-adult: 16oz deli cup minimum (4.5×4″/11×10cm)
Humidity: 50-70%, misting every 2-3 days for hydration; they aren’t too picky about humidity
Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
Feeding:
– 1i-2i: D. melanogaster fruit flies
– 3i-5i: D. hydei fruit flies, house flies, very small roaches/crickets
– 6i-adult: house flies, blue bottle flies, small roaches, small crickets, wax worms/moths, mealworms (as treats only)
Breeding:
Wait around 8-10 days after the last molt for females and a week for males before attempting to breed.
Ooths will hatch in about 6 weeks when kept at the same temperature/humidity as mantises and each hatch around 10-15 nymphs.
Notes: This species grows very fast, often molting every 2 weeks for each instar until adulthood. It isn’t unheard of for them to reach adulthood 8-9 weeks after hatchling
Other Resources: