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Banded Flower Mantis
Theopropus elegans
MantisintermediateHarmless
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, striking flower mantis — green and cream with bold banding, the female noticeably larger than the male. Wants warm (75-86°F), moderately humid (60-70%) conditions with excellent ventilation and fine perches for clean molts. Light daily misting for drinking. Like other flower mantises, separate nymphs early (cannibalistic). Harmless to humans.
Taxonomy
FamilyHymenopodidae
GenusTheopropus
Native regionSoutheast Asia
TypeArboreal
Temperamentambush flower mimic; can be skittish
Size & growth
Adult sizefemale ~2 in, male ~1.2 in
Length30.00–50.00 mm
Growth ratefast
Climate
Temperature75–86 °F
Humidity60–70%
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