Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis) (origin: East Asia; naturalised in North America). Adult size around 8–11 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 months. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Chinese mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?
25×25×40 cm (height).
Chinese mantis: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 17–21 °C.
Chinese mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Chinese mantis: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 months.
Chinese mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 17–21 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 55–70 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 25×25×40 cm (height)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, twigs, gauze
Feeding
- Food
- Flies, house crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- every 2–3 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 8–11 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 months
- Origin
- East Asia; naturalised in North America
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; considered problematic in North America – never release it
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly, and strictly so. Solitary and cannibalistic: two animals in one enclosure regularly end up as one. This applies even to animals of equal size and even when both are well fed. For breeding, introduce the male under observation and separate immediately afterwards.
Notes
One of the largest and least demanding mantids. It takes cooler temperatures than tropical species. The oothecae are very large and often yield over 100 nymphs – arrange takers in advance.
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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 Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (25×25×40 cm (height)), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gro%C3%9Fe_Chinesen-Mantis, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenodera_sinensis
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).