Jeweled Flower Mantis

Creobroter gemmatus

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 small, hardy flower mantis with a cream-and-green body and a bold spiral eyespot on each wing — one of the best beginner mantises. Comfortable at normal room warmth (75-82°F) and moderate humidity (~50-60%) with light daily misting; tolerant of small care mistakes that would kill fussier flower species. Fast-growing and a reliable feeder on flies, small crickets, and roach nymphs. House individually in a tall, ventilated enclosure; like all mantises it is cannibalistic. Harmless to humans.

Taxonomy

FamilyHymenopodidae

GenusCreobroter

Native regionSouth & Southeast Asia (India, Vietnam, Thailand)

TypeArboreal

Temperamentdocile, hardy

Size & growth

Adult size1.2-1.6 inches (3-4 cm)

Length30.00–40.00 mm

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature75–82 °F

Humidity50–60%

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, small roaches

Sling cadenceevery 1-2 days

Juvenile cadenceevery 2-3 days

Adult cadenceevery 2-3 days

Times kept: 0