Home/Care Guides/Banded Flower Mantis

Banded Flower Mantis

Theopropus elegans

TheopropusHymenopodidae

intermediate
Banded Flower Mantis (Theopropus elegans)
Tanja Popp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

A small, striking flower mantis — green and cream with bold banding, the female noticeably larger than the male. Wants warm (75-86°F), moderately humid (60-70%) conditions with excellent ventilation and fine perches for clean molts. Light daily misting for drinking. Like other flower mantises, separate nymphs early (cannibalistic). Harmless to humans.

Husbandry Requirements

Temperature & Humidity

Temperature

75-86°F

Humidity

60-70%

Enclosure Sizes

Adult:≥3x body length tall, 2x wide; well-ventilated

Substrate

Type:coco fiber or paper towel; light misting for humidity/drinking
Depth:1-2 inches

Feeding Schedule

Adult:every 2-3 days

Prey size: flies, crickets, roaches

Quick Stats

Type

arboreal

Adult Size

female ~2 in, male ~1.2 in

Growth Rate

fast

Native Region

Southeast Asia

Temperament

ambush flower mimic; can be skittish

Behavior

Webbing
BurrowingNo
Water DishOptional

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