Asian Mantis (HM) (L2/3)

Asian Mantis Care Guide

Scientific Name: Hierodula sp.
Common Name: Asian Mantis
Stage: L2/L3 Nymph
Adult Size: Approximately 7–10 cm, depending on species
Lifespan: Around 9–14 months
Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate
Diet: Carnivorous
Activity: Diurnal

Size

• At L2/L3, this is a small juvenile and should be housed individually.

• Adults can reach around 7–10 cm.

• Females are generally larger than males.

Housing

• Use a small, secure, well-ventilated enclosure for the L2/L3.

• The enclosure should be at least 3× the mantis' length in height and around 2× its length in width.

• Provide twigs, branches and artificial/live plants for climbing.

• Ensure there is plenty of vertical space for moulting.

• Upgrade the enclosure as it grows.

• House individually — mantises may cannibalise each other.

Temperature

• 22–28°C is suitable.

• Normal household temperatures are often sufficient.

• Avoid prolonged temperatures below 18°C or excessive heat.

Lighting

• UVB is not essential.

• Provide a normal day/night cycle of approximately 12 hours light / 12 hours dark.

• Avoid direct sunlight, which can rapidly overheat the enclosure.

Humidity

• Aim for approximately 50–70%, depending on the exact Hierodula species.

• Lightly mist the enclosure a few times per week.

• Allow the enclosure to dry partially between misting.

• Good ventilation is essential.

Food

• L2/L3 nymphs require small live prey.

• Suitable foods include:

  • Fruit flies

  • Small house flies

  • Small crickets

  • Small roach nymphs

• Feed around 2–3 times per week, adjusting to appetite and size.

• Prey should generally be no larger than the mantis' head/body width.

• Remove uneaten prey promptly.

Water

• Mantises usually drink droplets from the enclosure rather than a water bowl.

• Light misting provides drinking opportunities.

• Use clean, dechlorinated water.

Shedding

• Moulting is one of the most important stages of a mantis' development.

• The mantis needs vertical space and a secure surface from which to hang.

• Signs of pre-moult include reduced appetite and hanging motionless.

• Never handle or disturb a mantis during a moult.

• Remove live prey when a moult appears imminent.

Handling

• Can become accustomed to gentle handling as they grow.

• Do not handle immediately after moulting.

• Encourage the mantis to walk onto your hand rather than grabbing it.

• Young L2/L3 nymphs are particularly delicate.

Health

Watch for:

• Difficulty climbing

• Persistent lethargy

• Loss of grip

• Dehydration

• Damaged legs or antennae

• Problems moulting

• Failure to eat for prolonged periods outside of pre-moult

Cleaning

• Remove uneaten prey and faeces regularly.

• Remove mouldy food or plant material.

• Wipe down heavily soiled areas.

• Avoid excessive disturbance of the enclosure.

Before You Bring Your Animal Home

• Have a small, secure enclosure ready.

• Provide plenty of vertical climbing and moulting space.

• Check temperature and ventilation.

• Have suitably sized livefood available.

• Make sure the enclosure has no gaps that the tiny L2/L3 nymph can escape through.

Important Bits

• 🦗 Livefood is essential.

• 🕷️ Keep individually to prevent cannibalism.

• 🧗 Provide plenty of vertical space for moulting.

• 💧 Mist lightly to provide drinking droplets.

• 🚫 Never disturb a mantis during a moult.

• 🦗 Remove uneaten prey before moulting.

• 🌡️ Avoid excessive heat and poor ventilation.

• 🐛 L2/L3 nymphs are very delicate — minimise handling.