Indian Unicorn Boxer Mantis

Hestiasula brunneriana

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 small, stocky flower-mantis from the Indian subcontinent that throws up boldly patterned raptorial 'boxing gloves' in a threat display. Species-specific care data is limited, so this follows genus-typical Hymenopodidae husbandry: warmth around 75-85°F, 50-70% humidity from a light daily mist, and a small but well-ventilated planted enclosure. Feeds on fruit flies when small, moving up to houseflies and small crickets. House individually; harmless to humans.

Taxonomy

FamilyHymenopodidae

GenusHestiasula

Native regionIndian subcontinent

TypeArboreal

Temperamentsmall flower mimic; raises boldly patterned forearms

Size & growth

Adult size~1.2-1.6 inches

Length30.00–40.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature72–85 °F

Humidity50–70%

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