Common Green Mantis

Sphodromantis gastrica

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 robust green African mantis in the classic Sphodromantis mold — one of the hardiest, most low-maintenance mantises and an excellent beginner keep. Comfortable at 75-85°F with a modest 40-60% humidity and a single light daily mist for drinking, in a tall enclosure at least 3x its length with a rough ceiling for hanging molts. A bold, indiscriminate feeder. House individually; harmless to humans.

Taxonomy

FamilyMantidae

GenusSphodromantis

Native regionEastern and Southern Africa

TypeArboreal

Temperamentbold, hardy, voracious; docile toward humans

Size & growth

Adult sizefemale ~4 in, male ~3 in

Length70.00–100.00 mm

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature68–85 °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