Green grass mantis (Oxyopsis gracilis)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Green grass mantis (Oxyopsis gracilis) (origin: South America). Adult size around Females up to approx. 7.5 cm, males approx. 4 cm. Life expectancy approx. 6–9 months. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Green grass mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?
15×15×25 cm kept singly.
Green grass mantis: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot no warm spot needed, at night 20–22 °C.
Green grass mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed.
Green grass mantis: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 6–9 months.
Green grass mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- no warm spot needed
- Humidity
- 60–75 %
- UVB
- No UVB needed
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 15×15×25 cm kept singly
- Substrate
- Coco humus, slightly damp
Feeding
- Food
- Fruit flies, flies, small crickets
- Feeding interval
- every 1–2 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- Females up to approx. 7.5 cm, males approx. 4 cm
- Life expectancy
- approx. 6–9 months
- Origin
- South America
- Protection status
- Not protected
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly; cannibalistic. The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.
Notes
A slender, grass-green species; straightforward and good for getting started.
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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 Green grass mantis (Oxyopsis gracilis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (15×15×25 cm kept singly), substrate (Coco humus, slightly damp), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, 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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxyopsis_gracilis, https://kids.kiddle.co/Oxyopsis_gracilis
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).