Conehead mantis (Empusa pennata)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Conehead mantis (Empusa pennata) (origin: The Mediterranean). Adult size around 6–8 cm. Life expectancy 10–16 months. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Conehead mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?
25×25×35 cm, very well ventilated.
Conehead mantis: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C by day, clear night-time drop, basking spot No basking spot, at night 14–18 °C.
Conehead mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Conehead mantis: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–16 months.
Conehead mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C by day, clear night-time drop
- Night temperature
- 14–18 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 40–55 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 25×25×35 cm, very well ventilated
- Substrate
- Sand, dry twigs, gauze
Feeding
- Food
- Flies (preferred), house crickets
- Feeding interval
- every 2–3 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 6–8 cm
- Life expectancy
- 10–16 months
- Origin
- The Mediterranean
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler spell in winter
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. Like all mantises it is solitary and cannibalistic: nymphs and adults will eat their own kind whenever the chance arises, regardless of size or how well fed they are. For breeding, a well-fed female is put together with a male under supervision and he is removed again immediately afterwards.
Notes
A European mantis with a striking head crest and feathered antennae in the male. It overwinters as a nymph – a cool phase is part of the life cycle. Keep it dry and airy.
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 Conehead mantis (Empusa pennata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (25×25×35 cm, very well ventilated), substrate (Sand, dry 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/Empusa_pennata, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empusa_pennata
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).