Asian ant mantis (Odontomantis planiceps)

Short answers

Asian ant mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?

15×15×20 cm.

Asian ant mantis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.

Asian ant mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Asian ant mantis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–10 months.

Asian ant mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–29 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

60–75 %

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

15×15×20 cm

Substrate

Coco humus, fine twigs, gauze

Feeding

Food

Fruit flies, micro crickets

Feeding interval

every 2 days

Key facts

Adult size

2–3 cm

Life expectancy

6–10 months

Origin

South-East Asia

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep singly. Solitary and cannibalistic: two animals in one enclosure often end up as one, and even equally sized, well-fed animals are not safe from each other. Young nymphs can be raised together for a while with plenty of food and lots of hiding spots, but should be separated after the second or third moult at the latest, because losses rise sharply after that. For mating, the male is introduced under supervision and removed again straight away.

Notes

The nymphs mimic black ants – both in appearance and in their jerky movement. Very small, so fine food is essential. An ideal beginner's species for small containers.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Asian ant mantis (Odontomantis planiceps) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Spiny flower mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii) – Beginner to intermediate
• African giant mantis (Sphodromantis lineola) – Beginner
• African giant mantis (Sphodromantis viridis) – Beginner
• Egyptian dwarf mantis (Miomantis paykullii) – 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 Asian ant mantis (Odontomantis planiceps) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (15×15×20 cm), substrate (Coco humus, fine twigs, gauze), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.