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Giant African Mantis

Sphodromantis lineola

SphodromantisMantidae

beginner
Giant African Mantis (Sphodromantis lineola)
R.J. Blach, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

A large, hardy beginner mantis. Enclosure height must be at least 3x the mantis's body length so it can molt hanging upside down. Daytime 75-86F, cooler at night (not below ~63F). Mist lightly daily for drinking water and 50-70% humidity. Feed live prey no larger than its head; solitary and cannibalistic. Harmless to humans; adults live roughly 6-9 months.

Husbandry Requirements

Temperature & Humidity

Temperature

75-86°F

Humidity

50-70%

Enclosure Sizes

Adult:6x6x10 inches (height = 3x body length)

Substrate

Type:coco fiber, light mist
Depth:1-2 inches

Feeding Schedule

Adult:every 2-3 days

Prey size: crickets, roaches, flies, locusts

Quick Stats

Type

arboreal

Adult Size

3-4 inches

Growth Rate

fast

Native Region

West & Central Africa

Temperament

bold

Behavior

Webbing
BurrowingNo
Water DishOptional

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