At a glance the quick version
Males 5-7 cm, females 6-8 cm.
8 to 12 months in captivity.
Looks how to spot one
Exoskeleton
The European mantis has a long, slender body with a triangular head, large compound eyes, and two pairs of wings. The front legs are raptorial, armed with spikes for grasping prey. Males are more slender with longer wings and antennae, while females are stockier.12
Personality what they are like
The European mantis is a bold and feisty predator. It spends most of its time sitting still, waiting for prey, but will actively chase when hungry. It can become stressed if handled too much and may show a defensive display by raising its wings and forelegs.52
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low activity needs. Provide an enclosure with plenty of vertical space and perches for climbing. They are ambush predators and do not require exercise beyond normal movement.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
No grooming needed. Mantises groom themselves and will eat their shed exoskeleton after moulting. Avoid handling as it can cause stress.4
Home where they are happiest
Enclosure should be at least 3 times the mantis's length in height and 2 times in width. For an adult, a 30x30x30 cm terrarium is suitable. Temperature 23-28°C, humidity 40-65%. Provide fake plants and perches. In Germany, this species is protected and cannot be kept as a pet.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivorous, feeding on live insects. Nymphs eat fruit flies and pinhead crickets; juveniles eat houseflies and small moths; adults eat larger crickets, locusts, and butterflies. Feed nymphs daily, juveniles every 2-3 days, adults 2-3 times a week.35
Company who they like around
Solitary. Never house more than one mantis per enclosure as they will attack and eat each other. Small nymphs up to L3 can be kept together if given ample food and space.21
The story where it all began
The European mantis is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It was introduced to North America in the 1600s to help control agricultural pests. It has been kept as a pet by hobbyists for many years due to its fascinating predatory behaviour and relatively simple care requirements.21
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Assessed as Least Concern globally.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a European Mantis. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my European Mantis?
Feed nymphs daily, juveniles every 2-3 days, and adults 2-3 times a week. Always offer live insects appropriate for their size.35
What does an European Mantis eat, and what should it never eat?
European mantises eat live insects like fruit flies, houseflies, crickets, and moths. The input does not list foods to avoid, so ask an exotic-pet vet for a complete safe diet.35
How much space does an European Mantis need?
The enclosure should be at least three times the mantis's length in height and twice in width. For an adult, a 30x30x30 cm terrarium works well.21
What temperature, light or water does an European Mantis need?
Keep the enclosure at 23-28°C with 40-65% humidity. Provide fake plants and perches. The input does not specify light or water needs, so ask a vet for details.21
How often should I clean an European Mantis's home?
The input does not cover cleaning frequency. Ask an exotic-pet vet or a good breeder for advice on maintaining a clean habitat.
Can an European Mantis live with others?
No, they are solitary and will attack each other. Only very small nymphs up to L3 can be kept together if given ample food and space.21
How long does an European Mantis live?
Lifespan is not provided in the input. Ask an exotic-pet vet or breeder for typical longevity.
Can I handle an European Mantis?
Handling is not recommended as it can stress the mantis and may cause a defensive display. It's best to observe them in their enclosure.524
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- en.wikipedia.org: European mantis en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, length cm, coat or body, colours, habitat needs, social needs, history, fun fact
- keepinginsects.com: european mantis keepinginsects.comused for origin, length cm, coat or body, temperament, activity needs, habitat needs, social needs, history, fun fact
- vetverified.com: the complete guide to keeping european mantises as pets vetverified.comused for lifespan years, best traits, diet basics
- thesprucepets.com: keeping pet mantids 1239208 thesprucepets.comused for lifespan years, grooming or care, fun fact
- insectic.com: european mantis insectic.comused for colours, temperament, diet basics
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-02. Text is written in our own words from these sources.