Not furry either, still lovely.
Orchid Mantis
Hymenopus coronatus
Also called Walking flower mantis, Orchid-blossom mantis, Pink orchid mantis
From Tropical forests of Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Males reach about 2.5 cm, females 6 to 7 cm
Looks how to spot one
Exoskeleton with petal-like lobes on the legs
The orchid mantis has a soft, white or pinkish body with broad, flattened extensions on its middle and hind legs that look just like flower petals. This remarkable camouflage helps it blend in with blossoms to ambush pollinating insects. Males are much smaller and have longer wings and less prominent lobes, while females are larger and more flower-like.12
Personality what they are like
Females are quiet and calm, often waiting motionless for prey. Males are skittish and hyperactive, and may try to fly away when disturbed. They are not aggressive toward humans but should be handled with care.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low activity; they spend most of their time perched and waiting for prey. Males may fly or move more actively when hunting.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Mist the enclosure daily with spring, distilled or RO water to provide drinking water and maintain humidity. Avoid spraying the mantis directly. Clean leftover prey and droppings regularly.4
Home where they are happiest
Keep in a well-ventilated enclosure at least three times the mantis's height and twice its width. For a female, a minimum of 24 cm tall x 16 cm wide x 24 cm long is recommended. Provide artificial plants, flowers and perches for climbing. Temperature 70-90°F (ideally 80-85°F), humidity 60-80%. Nymphs need higher humidity. Use a mesh or screen top to allow hanging for moulting. House individually from L3 stage to prevent cannibalism.342
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Feed flying insects such as houseflies, blue bottle flies, hoverflies, butterflies and moths. Young nymphs need fruit flies (Drosophila). Crickets can be given occasionally but not as a staple. A weekly supplement of honey or honey-pollen mix is beneficial.24
Company who they like around
Must be housed alone after the third instar (L3) because they are cannibalistic, especially given the large size difference between males and females.23
The story where it all began
The orchid mantis has been known to science since the 19th century and is famous for its extraordinary flower mimicry. It became popular in the pet trade due to its striking beauty and relatively simple care. It is not a domesticated species; all individuals are wild-type or captive-bred from wild stock.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Orchid 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 Orchid Mantis?
Feeding frequency depends on your mantis's size, species, and moult stage. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests adjusting based on these factors. For a personalized schedule, ask a good breeder or vet.24 Furry Diary plan
What does an Orchid Mantis eat, and what should it never eat?
Orchid mantises eat flying insects like flies, moths, and butterflies, with occasional crickets and a honey supplement. Avoid feeding them anything that is not a suitable insect prey; for specific unsafe foods, consult a good breeder.24
How much space does an Orchid Mantis need?
Provide a well-ventilated enclosure at least three times the mantis's height and twice its width. For a female, a minimum of 24 cm tall, 16 cm wide, and 24 cm long is recommended, with artificial plants and perches for climbing.342
What temperature, light or water does an Orchid Mantis need?
Keep the temperature between 70-90°F, ideally 80-85°F, with humidity at 60-80%. Mist the enclosure daily with spring, distilled, or RO water for drinking, but avoid spraying the mantis directly. Lighting is not critical; a natural day-night cycle works well.342
How often should I clean an Orchid Mantis's home?
Spot clean leftover food and droppings every week, and change the substrate every six months. Regular cleaning keeps your mantis healthy and comfortable.4 Furry Diary plan
Can an Orchid Mantis live with others?
No, orchid mantises must be housed alone after the third instar (L3) because they are cannibalistic, especially given the size difference between males and females.23
How long does an Orchid Mantis live?
Orchid mantises have a short lifespan of about 5 to 8 months. Enjoy their beauty while they are with you!3
Can I handle an Orchid Mantis?
You can handle your orchid mantis gently, but it's best to keep handling to a minimum to avoid stress or injury. Be especially careful with males, as they are skittish and may try to fly away.23
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: Hymenopus coronatus en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, coat or body, history
- keepinginsects.com: orchid mantis keepinginsects.comused for origin, length cm, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, activity needs, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, fun fact
- insectkeeper.com: orchid mantis insectkeeper.comused for length cm, lifespan years, best traits, temperament, habitat needs, social needs, fun fact
- panterrapets.com: orchid mantis caresheet panterrapets.comused for grooming or care, habitat needs, 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 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.