Orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) (origin: South-East Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand; rainforest)). Adult size around Extreme dimorphism: females approx. 6–8 cm, males approx. 2.5–4 cm. Life expectancy females approx. 8–12 months, males considerably shorter. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Orchid mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×40 cm (taller than wide; height at least 3× the body length for shedding).
Orchid mantis: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, at night 18–20 °C.
Orchid mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed.
Orchid mantis: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females approx. 8–12 months, males considerably shorter.
Orchid mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–20 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 60–80 % (rather 60 % by day, higher at night); good ventilation is essential
- UVB
- No UVB needed
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×40 cm (taller than wide; height at least 3× the body length for shedding)
- Substrate
- Coco humus; climbing branches, ideally orchids or artificial flowers
Feeding
- Food
- Flying insects preferred (flies, moths, bees and wasps), fruit flies for juveniles
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week, juveniles (Drosophila) more often, daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- Extreme dimorphism: females approx. 6–8 cm, males approx. 2.5–4 cm
- Life expectancy
- females approx. 8–12 months, males considerably shorter
- Origin
- South-East Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand; rainforest)
- Protection status
- No known CITES or German protection; freely tradable
- Brumation
- None (tropical)
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly – solitary and cannibalistic; because of the extreme size difference the female easily eats the male. Keep them on their own
Notes
A famous flower mimic. More demanding than the robust species: it needs a balance of humidity and good ventilation (a risk of mould and shedding problems) plus flying prey as an adult. A common keeping mistake: too little height → moulting problems.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) in the marketplace →
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 Orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×40 cm (taller than wide; height at least 3× the body length for shedding)), substrate (Coco humus; climbing branches, ideally orchids or artificial flowers), 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: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: einrichtungsbeispiele.de, keepinginsects.com, mantiden-park.com, megazoo-nord.de, wissen.reptilienkosmos.de
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).