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Spiny Flower Mantis
Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii
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 showy, beginner-friendly flower mantis whose wings each carry a yellow-and-black '9'-shaped spiral eyespot, flashed in a deimatic threat display. Keep warm (75-87°F) and on the drier side (40-60%) with good airflow — this species is prone to fungal infection if kept damp and stagnant. Light daily misting provides drinking droplets. Notably aggressive and cannibalistic from hatching, so separate nymphs early and house individually. Takes flies, crickets, and small roaches readily. Harmless to humans.
Taxonomy
FamilyHymenopodidae
GenusPseudocreobotra
Native regionEastern & Southern Africa
TypeArboreal
Temperamentbold; striking eyespot display
Size & growth
Adult size1.5-2 inches (~5 cm)
Length38.00–50.00 mm
Growth ratefast
Climate
Temperature75–87 °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, small roaches
Sling cadenceevery 1-2 days
Juvenile cadenceevery 2-3 days
Adult cadenceevery 2-3 days
Times kept: 0