African giant mantis (Sphodromantis lineola)

Short answers

African giant mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?

At least 30×30×40 cm (height ≥ 3×, width ≥ 2× body length).

African giant mantis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–30 °C (ideally ~26 °C), at night min. 17–20 °C.

African giant mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No.

African giant mantis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8–12 months.

African giant mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–30 °C (ideally ~26 °C)

Night temperature

min. 17–20 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

50–60 %

UVB

No

Enclosure

Minimum size

at least 30×30×40 cm (height ≥ 3×, width ≥ 2× body length)

Substrate

Coco humus or soil, slightly damp

Feeding

Food

Flies, crickets, locusts

Feeding interval

every 2–3 days; mist 2×/week (drinking water)

Key facts

Adult size

females approx. 8–9 cm, males approx. 6–7 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 8–12 months

Origin

West and Central Africa

Protection status

—

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep them singly (an active predator and cannibalistic). The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.

Notes

A classic, very robust beginner's mantis with modest humidity requirements. Watch the ventilation.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for African giant mantis (Sphodromantis lineola) in the marketplace →

Related species

• African giant mantis (Sphodromantis viridis) – Beginner
• Spiny flower mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Egyptian dwarf mantis (Miomantis paykullii) – Beginner
• Asian ant mantis (Odontomantis planiceps) – Beginner
• Giant Asian mantis (Hierodula patellifera) – Beginner
• Banded flower mantis (Theopropus elegans) – Intermediate
• Boxer mantis (Ephestiasula pictipes) – Intermediate
• Brunner's boxer mantis (Hestiasula brunneriana) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep African giant mantis (Sphodromantis lineola) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (at least 30×30×40 cm (height ≥ 3×, width ≥ 2× body length)), substrate (Coco humus or soil, slightly damp), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.