Banded flower mantis (Theopropus elegans)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Banded flower mantis (Theopropus elegans) (origin: Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Borneo, Java, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Singapore)). Adult size around females 3.5–5 cm, males 1.5–3 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 months. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Banded flower mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?
20×20×30 cm.
Banded flower mantis: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.
Banded flower mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Banded flower mantis: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 months.
Banded flower mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 65–80 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 20×20×30 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, twigs, artificial flowers, gauze
Feeding
- Food
- Flies, house crickets
- Feeding interval
- every 2–3 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- females 3.5–5 cm, males 1.5–3 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 months
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Borneo, Java, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Singapore)
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Single housing for adult females. Nymphs can be raised together up to about the third or fourth moult if the enclosure is large enough and food is always available; after that they are separated. Adult males get along in twos or threes in a sufficiently large enclosure. Cannibalism can still occur at any time, especially around moults and when food is short, and can only be ruled out reliably by separating them. For mating, the male is added under observation and separated again afterwards.
Notes
A flower mantis with a striking cross band on the wings; an extreme size difference between the sexes. It needs higher humidity than Hierodula and fine flying food.
Do you keep this species?
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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
- Asian ant mantis (Odontomantis planiceps) – Beginner
- Giant Asian mantis (Hierodula patellifera) – Beginner
- Boxer mantis (Ephestiasula pictipes) – Intermediate
- Brunner's boxer mantis (Hestiasula brunneriana) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Banded flower mantis (Theopropus elegans) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×30 cm), substrate (Coco humus, twigs, artificial flowers, gauze), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia EN, home-of-insects.com, bantam.earth, eu_annex.txt (lokal), kaiserstuhl-mantiden.de
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).