Devil's flower mantis (Blepharopsis mendica)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Devil's flower mantis (Blepharopsis mendica) (origin: North Africa, the Middle East). Adult size around 5–7 cm. Life expectancy 8–14 months. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Devil's flower mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?
20×20×30 cm, very well ventilated.
Devil's flower mantis: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C by day, clear night-time drop, basking spot No basking spot, at night 15–20 °C.
Devil's flower mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Devil's flower mantis: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–14 months.
Devil's flower mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–34 °C by day, clear night-time drop
- Night temperature
- 15–20 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 40–50 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 20×20×30 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
- 5–7 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–14 months
- Origin
- North Africa, the Middle East
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping singly is mandatory once nymphs reach the fourth stage (L4) or are adult. Younger nymphs can still be kept briefly in small groups with enough food and space, after which cannibalism risk rises markedly. Sources rate the species' aggressiveness differently, but agree that separation should happen by L4 at the latest.
Notes
A desert species: hot, dry and with cool nights. Permanent damp is the commonest mistake and leads to shedding problems. It prefers flying prey.
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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 Devil's flower mantis (Blepharopsis mendica) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×30 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleine_Teufelsblume, https://mantidkingdom.com/mantid-care/blepharopsis-mendica/, https://www.keepinginsects.com/praying-mantis/species/thistle-mantis/
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).