Violin mantis (Gongylus gongylodes)

Short answers

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

A mesh or gauze cage, height at least 3× the body length (~40 cm+); smooth walls are unsuitable (Empusidae).

Violin mantis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–35 °C (warm; ideally ~35 °C from a heat lamp), basking spot a local hot spot is possible (~35 °C), at night 18–22 °C.

Violin mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Violin mantis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 10–14 months.

Violin mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–35 °C (warm; ideally ~35 °C from a heat lamp)

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

a local hot spot is possible (~35 °C)

Humidity

30–50 % (rather dry, but mist lightly every day, otherwise shedding problems follow)

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

a mesh or gauze cage, height at least 3× the body length (~40 cm+); smooth walls are unsuitable (Empusidae)

Substrate

Dry (coco humus or kitchen paper)

Feeding

Food

Flying prey (flies) – it hardly hunts on the ground and grabs passing prey

Feeding interval

adults every other day, juveniles daily to every other day

Key facts

Adult size

females ~9–11 cm, males ~8–10 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 10–14 months

Origin

South and South-East Asia (India, Sri Lanka, South-East Asia)

Protection status

No protected status

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Group keeping is possible and documented – one of the few sociable (communal) mantis species. Given enough space and food they can be kept in groups (including with other empusids); if food is short, cannibalism still occurs, especially among the young. Feed them generously and give them plenty of space.

Notes

An exception among mantids (sociable). It needs warmth, rather dry air, flying food and light daily misting. It climbs only on rough surfaces and twigs.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Violin mantis (Gongylus gongylodes) 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 Violin mantis (Gongylus gongylodes) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (a mesh or gauze cage, height at least 3× the body length (~40 cm+); smooth walls are unsuitable (Empusidae)), substrate (Dry (coco humus or kitchen paper)), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.