Bordered Mantis

Stagmomantis limbata

MantisbeginnerHarmless

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 adaptable North American native and the most beginner-friendly Stagmomantis. Keep at room temperature in a tall, well-ventilated enclosure with perches for clean molts, with moderate 40-60% humidity and a daily light mist. The main risks are bad molts and dehydration if kept too dry, or mold if kept too damp. Bold feeder; house individually; harmless to humans.

Taxonomy

FamilyMantidae

GenusStagmomantis

Native regionSouthwestern USA south to Central America

TypeArboreal

Temperamentbold; females can be aggressive

Size & growth

Adult sizeup to 3 inches

Length60.00–75.00 mm

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature70–86 °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