African giant mantis (Sphodromantis viridis)

Short answers

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

At least 30×30×40 cm, well ventilated — the height must be at least three times the body length, otherwise moulting fails.

African giant mantis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–28 °C, at night min. ~20 °C.

African giant mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No.

African giant mantis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females ~10–12 months, males ~6–8 months (counted from hatching).

African giant mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–28 °C

Night temperature

min. ~20 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

approx. 60 %

UVB

No

Enclosure

Minimum size

at least 30×30×40 cm, well ventilated — the height must be at least three times the body length, otherwise moulting fails

Substrate

Coco soil plus clay granulate, slightly damp

Feeding

Food

Crickets, locusts, flies

Feeding interval

every 2–3 days

Key facts

Adult size

females up to ~10 cm, males ~7 cm

Life expectancy

females ~10–12 months, males ~6–8 months (counted from hatching)

Origin

North Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean

Protection status

—

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep them singly (territorial 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 large, easy-care beginner's species; it eats almost anything suitable. Keep the substrate only slightly damp and well ventilated.

Do you keep this species?

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

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Related species

• African giant mantis (Sphodromantis lineola) – 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 viridis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (at least 30×30×40 cm, well ventilated — the height must be at least three times the body length, otherwise moulting fails), substrate (Coco soil plus clay granulate, slightly damp), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.