Which terrarium should I buy for a mantis?
The best terrarium for a mantis is a vertical one, with ventilation at the top and a door that lets you put food in without taking it apart. The main model in this collection is the white PVC terrarium, 1 cm thick, with a glass guillotine door and top ventilation, in three sizes: 12 × 12 × 22 cm, 22 × 22 × 22 cm and 22 × 22 × 32 cm.
The same terrarium is sold on its own or as part of the complete kit for mantises and phasmids, which adds a bag of substrate, a bag of natural dry leaves and a decorative item, from €24 in the small size. For very small mantises, nymphs or quarantine, ventilated plastic boxes also work, being lightweight and easy to clean. For example, an adult ghost mantis fits in the 12 × 12 × 22 cm model, while a female orchid mantis needs the 22 × 22 × 22 cm one.
What size terrarium does each mantis need?
The minimum terrarium size for a mantis is 3 times the adult's length in height and 2 times in width. It is a simple rule that applies to any species. Applied to the species in our mantis collection:
- Ghost mantis (female of about 5 cm): 15 cm high and 10 wide, so the 12 × 12 × 22 cm terrarium is suitable.
- Jewelled flower mantis and African flower mantis (4-5 cm): also the 12 × 12 × 22 cm one.
- Orchid mantis (female of 7 cm): 21 cm high and 14 wide, so it needs the 22 × 22 × 22 cm one; the male, at 2.5 cm, fits in the small one.
- Dead leaf shield mantis (female of 6-7 cm): the 22 × 22 × 22 cm or the 22 × 22 × 32 cm one.
- Devil's flower mantis (female up to 13 cm): at least 39 cm high and 26 wide, larger than any of these models.
What should go inside a mantis terrarium?
Inside a mantis terrarium you need thin branches or plants for it to hang from and hunt, a layer of substrate on the floor and some dry leaves. A mantis spends almost all its time hanging, and the essential thing is a high, clear spot from which it can shed upside down without touching the floor or the decor.
Top ventilation prevents humidity building up and mould forming, and humidity is maintained by misting according to the species, between 65% and 75%. The terrarium should not be too large either: the mantis waits for prey to pass in front of it and, in a huge enclosure, may not find it. In cold climates an adjustable heat mat is fitted, because most mantises prefer 22 to 30 °C. For example, the complete mantis kit already includes substrate, dry leaves and a decorative item. Full care is covered in our mantis care guide.
PVC terrarium or plastic box for a mantis?
For an adult mantis a PVC terrarium is better, because it is tall and has the height it needs to shed; a plastic box is lower and is mainly for nymphs, small species, transport or quarantine. These are the dimensions of each model:
- PVC terrarium with glass door: 22 or 32 cm tall, top ventilation and a sliding door; the most convenient for viewing and feeding.
- Ventilated plastic box: 20 × 20 × 17 cm, 27 × 17 × 18 cm or 30.2 × 19.6 × 14.7 cm, from €9.95. At 17-18 cm tall, it suits mantises of up to around 6 cm.
- Folding plastic terrarium: 29.5 × 39.5 × 24 cm, with a front door, top opening and mesh top.
In every case, ventilation is essential to prevent mould.
Can several mantises live in the same terrarium?
No. Each mantis needs its own terrarium, because mantises are solitary and cannibalistic: a mantis will eat a smaller one as soon as it can, and the risk increases after the first few sheds. To keep several mantises you need several terrariums; the 12 × 12 × 22 cm PVC models take up little space and can be placed side by side.
The only exception in our collection is the devil's flower mantis (Idolomantis diabolica), a species adapted to living in groups, which also needs a much larger terrarium and a temperature of 28 to 35 °C. For all other species, keeping nymphs together only makes sense just after they hatch from the ootheca, and they should be separated early. You should also remove any insects the mantis does not eat from the terrarium, especially before a shed, when it is hanging and vulnerable. Food for each stage is in mantis food.
