Budwing Mantis

Parasphendale agrionina

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

A hardy, no-fuss African mantis and an excellent beginner choice — remarkably tolerant of humidity (30-60% is fine), wanting just warmth (~80°F) and a mist two or three times a week for drinking. Tall, well-ventilated cage with thick twigs to perch on. An aggressive feeder and very cannibalistic, so always house individually. Harmless to humans.

Taxonomy

FamilyMantidae

GenusParasphendale

Native regionEast Africa

TypeArboreal

Temperamentbold, very aggressive feeder; cannibalistic

Size & growth

Adult sizefemale 2.5-3 in, male ~1.5 in

Length35.00–70.00 mm

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature75–86 °F

Humidity30–60%

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