Budwing mantis (Parasphendale agrionina)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Budwing mantis (Parasphendale agrionina) (origin: East Africa). Adult size around 5–7 cm. Life expectancy 8–14 months. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Budwing mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?
20×20×30 cm.
Budwing mantis: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.
Budwing mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Budwing mantis: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–14 months.
Budwing 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
- 55–65 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 20×20×30 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, twigs, gauze
Feeding
- Food
- Flies, house crickets
- Feeding interval
- every 2–3 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 5–7 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–14 months
- Origin
- East Africa
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping singly is mandatory: the species is solitary and markedly cannibalistic, two animals in one enclosure regularly end up as one - even at equal size and with good feeding. For mating the male is introduced under observation and separated again immediately.
Notes
When threatened it shows a striking threat posture with spread wings. Decidedly keen to bite at prey – a very active huntress.
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
- Boxer mantis (Ephestiasula pictipes) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Budwing mantis (Parasphendale agrionina) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×30 cm), substrate (Coco humus, twigs, 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasphendale_agrionina, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasphendale
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).