Brunner's boxer mantis (Hestiasula brunneriana)

Short answers

Brunner's boxer mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?

20×20×30 cm (a single animal); approx. 30×30×30 cm for a small group.

Brunner's boxer mantis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, at night approx. 20 °C.

Brunner's boxer mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Brunner's boxer mantis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 6–9 months (females somewhat longer).

Brunner's boxer mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

approx. 20 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

50–70 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

20×20×30 cm (a single animal); approx. 30×30×30 cm for a small group

Substrate

Coco humus or kitchen paper; climbing branches and a food plant (e.g. bramble)

Feeding

Food

Small flies (Drosophila hydei, green bottle flies), small insects

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles (Drosophila) more often

Key facts

Adult size

Small: males approx. 2–3 cm, females somewhat larger (~3–3.5 cm)

Life expectancy

approx. 6–9 months (females somewhat longer)

Origin

India / South Asia

Protection status

No known CITES or German protection; freely tradable

Brumation

None (tropical)

Cohabitation

Single housing is the safe choice. Among mantis keepers a rumour circulates that Hestiasula is 'the most gregarious mantis of all' - but experienced keepers who have actually kept the species clearly disagree: females are said to be very aggressive hunters, and group housing carries a constant risk of cannibalism. Anyone still trying it with juveniles needs plenty of space and a constant surplus of food, and should separate them by the adult stage at the latest.

Notes

The "boxer mantis", named for its striking threat and display behaviour with the raptorial legs. A small species; it needs small (flying) prey. Good ventilation against mould. The temperature figures scatter across sources (20–32 °C) – a safe middle range is used here.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Brunner's boxer mantis (Hestiasula brunneriana) 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 Brunner's boxer mantis (Hestiasula brunneriana) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×30 cm (a single animal); approx. 30×30×30 cm for a small group), substrate (Coco humus or kitchen paper; climbing branches and a food plant (e.g. bramble)), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.