Idolomantis diabolica
Idolomantis • Empusidae
One of the largest and most spectacular mantises kept — the 'King of mantids' — with an unmatched startle display of banded forelegs and wings. It is an advanced species: molting is the number-one killer, and its intricate body shape means a single bad molt is usually fatal. Keep it hot (85-95°F) and mostly dry (40-60%), but raise humidity sharply for the critical subadult molt to adult, mimicking the African rainy season. A strict flying-prey specialist — feed flies and moths; it generally ignores crickets and roaches. Needs a tall, very well-ventilated enclosure and warmth from a lamp rather than a damp tank. Not for beginners. Harmless to humans.
Temperature
85-95°F
Humidity
40-60%
Prey size: flying insects only — flies, moths, bluebottles (refuses crawling prey)
Type
arboreal
Adult Size
up to 5 inches (~13 cm)
Growth Rate
medium
Native Region
East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia)
Temperament
skittish; dramatic threat display
Track its feedings, molts, and growth with Tarantuverse — our free companion app for keepers. Create an account in seconds.
Start tracking — it's free →Or explore Tarantuverse firstKeep its whole story in one place — log feedings, molts, and growth, get molt and feeding reminders, and watch it grow over time. Tarantuverse is a free husbandry tracker for keepers, on web and mobile.