Orchid Mantis
Hymenopus coronatus
Hymenopus • Hymenopodidae
Overview
The orchid mantis is the most famous flower-mimicking mantis in the hobby — petal-shaped lobed legs and a pink-and-white body that lets it ambush pollinators. Keep it warm (75-85°F) and moderately humid (60-80%), misting lightly 2-3 times a week; nymphs are more sensitive to low humidity than adults. Sexual dimorphism is extreme: females reach ~3 inches while males stay under an inch and mature far faster, which makes timed breeding tricky. House individually (cannibalistic) in a tall, well-ventilated enclosure at least three times the mantis's length, with twigs or mesh at the top for secure molting. A flying-prey specialist that readily takes flies and other winged feeders. Harmless to humans.
Husbandry Requirements
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature
75-85°F
Humidity
60-80%
Enclosure Sizes
Substrate
Feeding Schedule
Prey size: flying insects — flies, moths, bees; small roaches
Quick Stats
Type
arboreal
Adult Size
female ~3 in, male <1 in
Growth Rate
fast
Native Region
Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Sumatra)
Temperament
docile, sit-and-wait flower mimic
Behavior
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