Spiny Flower Mantis

Pseudocreobotra ocellata

MantisintermediateHarmless

No venom, no sting

Mantises are harmless to humans. They have no venom or sting — the worst they can do is grip with their spined forelegs or deliver a startling but harmless nip.

About

An African flower mantis famous for the bright spiral 'eyes' on its wings, flashed in a startle display. Keep warm (80-85°F) with strong ventilation and only moderate 40-60% humidity — it is prone to mold/mis-molts if kept damp — plus a light daily mist. Prefers flying prey and strikes from ambush. Can sometimes be kept communally if very well fed, but solitary is safest. Harmless to humans.

Taxonomy

FamilyHymenopodidae

GenusPseudocreobotra

Native regionEast and Southern Africa

TypeArboreal

Temperamentsedentary ambush flower mimic; spiral eyespot display

Size & growth

Adult size~1.5 inches

Length30.00–40.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature75–87 °F

Humidity40–60%

Enclosure

Adult size≥3x body length tall, 2x wide; well-ventilated

Substratecoco fiber or paper towel; light misting for humidity/drinking

Substrate depth1-2 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeflies, crickets, roaches

Adult cadenceevery 2-3 days

Times kept: 0