Thistle Mantis

Blepharopsis mendica

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

A desert Empusid mantis with a crest and leaf-lobed legs, mottled to mimic dry thistle. Comes from hot, arid North Africa and the Middle East, so keep it warm (80-95°F under a lamp) and very dry (30-45%), offering water through a light weekly misting rather than a humid tank. As an Empusid it can't climb smooth surfaces — use a mesh cage with plenty of perches. Prefers flying prey such as flies and moths. Calm and slow-moving. Harmless to humans.

Taxonomy

FamilyEmpusidae

GenusBlepharopsis

Native regionNorth Africa, Middle East, Canary Islands

TypeArboreal

Temperamentcalm, slow-moving thistle mimic

Size & growth

Adult size2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm)

Length50.00–65.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature80–95 °F

Humidity30–45%

Enclosure

Adult sizetall mesh/screen cage with perches (poor on smooth walls)

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

Substrate depth1-2 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeflying insects — flies, moths

Sling cadenceevery 2-3 days

Juvenile cadenceevery 3-4 days

Adult cadenceevery 3-4 days

Times kept: 0