Phasmomantella Praying Mantis | Phasmomantella sp.
Plan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
Tropical African stock line; exact locality may vary |
| Adult size |
small to medium mantis, typically around 4–6 cm |
| Lifespan |
Usually around 8–14 months |
| Temperament |
Individuals vary; allow time to settle before any handling. |
| Activity |
Activity varies; give the animal sheltered resting places. |
| Social needs |
House individually. |
Housing & Setup
Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.
| Adult housing |
For one adult: internal height at least 3× body length and floor dimensions at least 2× body length. Leave clear hanging space beneath the upper grip; use an appropriately smaller grow-out enclosure for nymphs. |
| Enclosure type |
Tall, ventilated enclosure with safe mesh moulting grip. |
| Temperature |
24–28 °C |
| Lighting & UVB |
A regular day/night cycle with darkness at night; specialist UVB is not required. Avoid direct sunlight and overheating. |
| Humidity / moisture |
60–75% |
| Substrate |
Species-appropriate, pesticide-free substrate; avoid aromatic woods. |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Fine branches and foliage with an unobstructed moulting zone. |
Behaviour & Compatibility
Minimal handling is best. Cannibalism can occur even in species sometimes kept communally; individual housing is safest.
Feeding & Nutrition
Fruit flies for small nymphs; later flies, small locusts, roaches and other appropriately sized live insects. Do not leave prey with an animal preparing to moult. Provide fine drinking droplets by careful misting; avoid soaking the animal or enclosure.
Routine Care
Check food, water or drinking droplets, ventilation and substrate moisture regularly. Remove waste and spoiled food promptly; avoid disturbing animals during moulting. Keep doors and ventilation gaps secure.
Important Before Buying
Confirm the nymph stage and adult body size. Vertical moulting clearance is essential; enclosure height must remain available above the substrate.
Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only
We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.