Spiny flower mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii)

Short answers

Spiny flower mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?

At least 20 × 20 × 30 cm for a single animal, better 30 × 30 × 45 cm (height at least 3 times, width at least 2 times body length).

Spiny flower mantis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot Optional warm area ~30–32 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Spiny flower mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No.

Spiny flower mantis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 6–12 months.

Spiny flower mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?

Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner to intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

Optional warm area ~30–32 °C

Humidity

50–60 % (day), 60–70 % at night

UVB

No

Enclosure

Minimum size

at least 20 × 20 × 30 cm for a single animal, better 30 × 30 × 45 cm (height at least 3 times, width at least 2 times body length)

Substrate

Coco humus, slightly damp

Feeding

Food

Flies and moths are the preferred food, juveniles take fruit flies; small crickets also work, large grasshoppers are too bulky for this small species

Feeding interval

every 2–3 days

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 4–5.5 cm (females 4.5–5.5 cm, males 4–5 cm)

Life expectancy

approx. 6–12 months

Origin

Sub-Saharan Africa — from southern through eastern to central Africa

Protection status

—

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep them singly (cannibalistic and aggressive towards each other). 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

Flower mimicry with a spiral eyespot as threat behaviour. Ventilate well and do not keep it permanently wet, or shedding problems follow.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Spiny flower mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii) in the marketplace →

Related species

• 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
• Brunner's boxer mantis (Hestiasula brunneriana) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Spiny flower mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (at least 20 × 20 × 30 cm for a single animal, better 30 × 30 × 45 cm (height at least 3 times, width at least 2 times body length)), substrate (Coco humus, slightly damp), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.