Boxer mantis (Ephestiasula pictipes)

Short answers

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

From 20×20×25 cm per animal.

Boxer mantis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–29 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Boxer mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Boxer mantis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–10 months.

Boxer mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–29 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Humidity

60–70 %

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 20×20×25 cm per animal

Substrate

Gauze and fine twigs to hang from, coco fibre as substrate

Feeding

Food

Flies, fruit flies, small house crickets

Feeding interval

Every 2 days

Key facts

Adult size

2–3 cm

Life expectancy

6–10 months

Origin

South-East Asia

Protection status

—

Brumation

No

Cohabitation

Keep singly from the third instar onward, since cannibalism among its own kind is the rule once size differences appear. The striking 'boxing' movements of the colourful raptorial legs when they meet are thought to help mantises recognise each other and reduce cannibalism, though this is not reliable. For breeding, a well-fed female is put together with a male under supervision.

Notes

A tiny species that holds its raptorial legs in front of its head like a boxer when threatening — hence the name. It needs very small feeder animals, and a Drosophila culture is essential.

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
• Banded flower mantis (Theopropus elegans) – Intermediate
• Brunner's boxer mantis (Hestiasula brunneriana) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Boxer mantis (Ephestiasula pictipes) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 20×20×25 cm per animal), substrate (Gauze and fine twigs to hang from, coco fibre as substrate), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.