Bark mantis (Popa spurca)

Short answers

Bark mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?

20×20×30 cm (height at least 3× the body length).

Bark mantis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–30 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Bark mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Bark mantis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8–12 months (females considerably longer than males).

Bark mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–30 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

40–60 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

20×20×30 cm (height at least 3× the body length)

Substrate

Coco humus or kitchen paper

Feeding

Food

Flies (fruit flies for juveniles), flies or small house crickets as adults

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily to every other day

Key facts

Adult size

Females 7.5–8 cm, males 6.5–7 cm and slimmer

Life expectancy

approx. 8–12 months (females considerably longer than males)

Origin

Africa (the savannahs of southern and eastern Africa)

Protection status

No protected status (not listed under CITES or German nature conservation law)

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep them singly. Territorial and cannibalistic, so never put males together; a pair only under supervision and briefly for breeding.

Notes

A quiet twig and stick mimic. Good double ventilation matters; neither too wet nor too dry (otherwise shedding problems). It climbs upside down – line the lid with gauze.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Bark mantis (Popa spurca) 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
• Asian ant mantis (Odontomantis planiceps) – Beginner
• Giant Asian mantis (Hierodula patellifera) – Beginner
• Banded flower mantis (Theopropus elegans) – Intermediate
• Boxer mantis (Ephestiasula pictipes) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Bark mantis (Popa spurca) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×30 cm (height at least 3× the body length)), substrate (Coco humus or kitchen paper), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.