Mantis as Pets: Complete Care Guide for Orchid Mantis and Ghost Mantis
Keeping exotic pets has become increasingly popular, and among the most fascinating choices are mantises. Known for their unique appearance, hunting skills, and calm behavior, mantises like the Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) and the Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa) stand out as two of the most attractive species in the pet trade. If you’re considering keeping a mantis as a pet, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about their habitat, diet, handling, and overall care.
Why Keep a Mantis as a Pet?
Mantises are fascinating creatures with a striking look and a behavior that captivates insect enthusiasts. Unlike traditional pets, mantises are:
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Low maintenance compared to reptiles or mammals.
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Beautiful and unique, especially the Orchid Mantis with its petal-like camouflage.
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Educational pets, great for observing insect behavior and learning about biology.
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Quiet and space-efficient, perfect for small homes or apartments.
Types of Popular Pet Mantises
1. Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus)
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Known for their flower-like body, which helps them blend with orchids.
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Colors range from white, pink, and light purple hues.
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They are more delicate compared to other mantises and require specific conditions to thrive.
2. Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa)
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Named for their leaf-like appearance that helps them camouflage in dry leaves.
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Generally hardier and easier to care for than Orchid Mantises.
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Known for their calm temperament, making them beginner-friendly.
Habitat and Enclosure Setup
Mantises do not require large cages, but their enclosure must mimic their natural environment to keep them healthy.
Enclosure Size
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A good rule: the enclosure should be 3 times taller than the mantis’s length and twice as wide.
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For example, an adult Orchid Mantis (around 3 inches) should be kept in a container at least 9 inches tall and 6 inches wide.
Ventilation
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Proper airflow is important to prevent mold growth.
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Use mesh lids or side ventilation holes.
Substrate
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Paper towels, coconut fiber, or soil can be used.
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For Orchid Mantises, humidity must be maintained, so a moisture-retaining substrate is ideal.
Temperature & Humidity
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Orchid Mantis: 75–85°F (24–29°C) with humidity around 60–80%.
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Ghost Mantis: 70–80°F (21–26°C) with lower humidity around 40–60%.
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Mist lightly to maintain proper humidity but avoid over-wetting the enclosure.
Decoration
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Add twigs, branches, and artificial or real plants for climbing.
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For Orchid Mantises, adding silk flowers can make the enclosure both functional and beautiful.
Feeding and Diet
Mantises are carnivorous predators and must be fed live insects.
Common Feeder Insects
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Fruit flies (for nymphs and small juveniles)
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Small crickets
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Houseflies
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Roaches (such as Dubia or Red Runners)
Feeding Tips
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Feed juveniles every day and adults every 2–3 days.
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Prey should be about the same size or smaller than the mantis’s head.
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Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent stress or injury.
Molting and Growth
Mantises grow by molting (shedding their exoskeleton).
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Orchid and Ghost Mantises molt several times before reaching adulthood.
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During molting, mantises should not be disturbed.
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Ensure proper humidity, as low humidity can lead to incomplete molts.
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After molting, wait at least 24–48 hours before feeding to allow their exoskeleton to harden.
Handling Your Pet Mantis
While mantises can be handled gently, they are delicate creatures.
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Always let the mantis climb onto your hand rather than grabbing it.
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Avoid handling right before or after molting.
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Never squeeze or restrain; mantises may jump or fly if startled.
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Limit handling time to avoid stressing your pet.
Lifespan and Breeding
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Orchid Mantis lifespan: 8–10 months on average.
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Ghost Mantis lifespan: 10–12 months.
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Females typically live longer than males.
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Breeding requires careful planning, as females may eat the males if not well-fed.
Pros and Cons of Keeping Mantises as Pets
Pros:
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Unique and exotic appearance.
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Low space requirements.
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Fascinating to observe.
Cons:
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Short lifespan compared to other pets.
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Require live food (not suitable for everyone).
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Fragile and sensitive to environmental changes.
Conclusion
Keeping a mantis as a pet, whether the stunning Orchid Mantis or the mysterious Ghost Mantis, is a rewarding experience for insect lovers. They may not cuddle or play fetch, but they offer a unique window into the natural world. With the right care, enclosure setup, and diet, your mantis can thrive and provide months of fascination.
If you’re a beginner, start with a Ghost Mantis due to its hardy nature. If you’re looking for beauty and uniqueness, the Orchid Mantis will leave you in awe. Either way, mantises make truly extraordinary pets that combine elegance with a glimpse of nature’s most remarkable designs.
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