Giant African Mantis

Sphodromantis viridis

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 classic beginner mantis — large, green, bold, and tolerant of a range of conditions (68-85°F, moderate 50-70% humidity). A tall, ventilated enclosure with perches plus light daily-ish misting for drinking and clean molts is all it needs. Aggressive feeder. House individually; harmless to humans.

Taxonomy

FamilyMantidae

GenusSphodromantis

Native regionAfrica, Middle East

TypeArboreal

Temperamentbold, hardy

Size & growth

Adult sizeup to 4 inches

Length80.00–100.00 mm

Growth ratefast

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