South American giant mantis (Stagmatoptera femoralis)

Short answers

South American giant mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?

20×20×30 cm (adult, larger is better).

South American giant mantis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

South American giant mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

South American giant mantis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8–12 months.

South American giant mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

60–70 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

20×20×30 cm (adult, larger is better)

Substrate

Coco humus

Feeding

Food

Fruit flies (juveniles) → flies, house crickets and roaches as adults; powerful, active hunters

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 7–8 cm (a large form)

Life expectancy

approx. 8–12 months

Origin

Northern South America / the Neotropics (Colombia among others)

Protection status

No protected status

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep singly, except for communal rearing up to the pre-subadult stage given plenty of space and food, as documented for this species; separate them at the latest by the adult stage, since cannibalism threatens, and never house males together.

Notes

A strong, active and robust species, good for beginners. Mist every 2–3 days. Also called the "South American Spotted Eye".

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for South American giant mantis (Stagmatoptera femoralis) 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 South American giant mantis (Stagmatoptera femoralis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×30 cm (adult, larger is better)), substrate (Coco humus), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.