Shield mantis (Rhombodera basalis)

Short answers

Shield mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?

25×25×35 cm (height).

Shield mantis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.

Shield mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Shield mantis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–14 months.

Shield mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

60–75 %

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

25×25×35 cm (height)

Substrate

Coco humus, climbing twigs, gauze for shedding

Feeding

Food

Flies, house crickets, roaches

Feeding interval

every 2–3 days

Key facts

Adult size

9–12 cm (Weibchen bis 12 cm, Männchen bis 10 cm)

Life expectancy

8–14 months

Origin

South-East Asia

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

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

A strikingly broadened, shield-like pronotum and a brilliant green colour. Robust and easy to keep – cannibalistic like all mantids, so never keep them together.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Shield mantis (Rhombodera basalis) 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Shield mantis (Rhombodera basalis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (25×25×35 cm (height)), substrate (Coco humus, climbing twigs, gauze for shedding), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.