How to Set Up a Praying Mantis Habitat: Enclosure Size, Care, and Feeding Guide

Found in rainforests and grasslands across the globe, praying mantises are fascinating, engaging insects—and with a properly prepared habitat, they can thrive indoors as well. Setting up a praying mantis enclosure is simple and doesn't take much time. All you need is an appropriately sized container, some coconut husk, and a few sticks, followed by a light misting of water to create a humid environment. To enhance the visual appeal, you can even decorate the habitat with artificial trees or flowers. Once set up, enjoy observing your mantis explore and interact with its new surroundings.

Method 1: Choosing a Container

1. Choose the Right Container Size

Select a container that measures at least three times the length and twice the width of your mantis. This ensures the insect has ample space to move around and successfully molt. Limited mobility during molting can lead to limb issues or deformities.
• Use a ruler to measure your mantis to determine the appropriate enclosure size.
• For instance, if your mantis is about 2 inches (5.1 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide, your enclosure should be at least 6 inches (15 cm) in length and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width.
• You can purchase a specialized insect habitat at a pet store or repurpose a clean household container.
• Stick with plastic or wooden options—cardboard isn't recommended as it tends to become soggy and deformed with humidity.2. Add a Secure Lid

Make sure the container has a secure lid to keep your mantis from escaping. Since mantises are natural climbers, they can easily scale sticks or decorations inside the habitat. A proper cover is essential to contain them.
• If a fitted lid isn't available, a piece of plywood or similar material can be used as a temporary solution.

3. Provide Ventilation Holes

Ensure the enclosure has multiple ventilation holes to allow for proper airflow. Good air circulation helps prevent mold growth and keeps the habitat healthy. If the container lacks ventilation, you can use a drill or scissors to create about six small holes.
• Just be sure the openings are smaller than your mantis's body width to prevent any escape attempts.

Method 2: Adding Items to the Habitat

1. Add a Moist Substrate Layer

Line the base of the container with moistened coconut husk. Lightly spray the husk with water until a thin layer of moisture is visible on the surface—this activates expansion, causing the material to grow several times its original volume. Once expanded, spread it evenly across the enclosure, forming a layer roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
• Also known as coir, coconut husk helps retain moisture and supports a humid environment.
• You can find coir substrate at most pet stores.

2. Provide Natural Climbing Structures

Add several clean sticks or twigs from your yard into the enclosure to give your mantis something to climb. Before placing them inside, rinse them thoroughly to remove soil or potential pests. A small multi-armed branch works particularly well, offering various paths for exploration and movement.
• Use garden shears to cut the branches to fit your enclosure's dimensions.
• While any small dish can serve as a water container, larger ones require less frequent refilling.

3. Add Decorative Elements (Optional)

If you'd like to brighten up the enclosure, consider adding some colorful plastic decorations such as flowers, shrubs, or faux plants. Just be sure to leave enough open space so your mantis can freely roam.
• These items are often available at pet supply shops or budget stores.
• Opt for plastic materials only—wood and paper may degrade over time. Steer clear of any decor with exposed glue, as it could be toxic to your mantis.

4. Don't Mix Insects in the Same Habitat

Avoid housing other insects in the same enclosure. Since praying mantises are carnivorous and prefer live prey, any additional insects placed inside will likely be seen as food. If you're planning to keep other bugs as pets, it's best to provide a separate setup for them.

Method 3: Adding Heat and Humidity to the Habitat

1. Lightly spray the enclosure with water daily to maintain proper humidity. Praying mantises naturally thrive in warm, moist environments, so misting helps recreate those conditions indoors.
• Set your spray bottle to the finest mist setting for gentle and even moisture distribution.

2. Add a shallow water container to the setup to mimic natural puddles found in tropical habitats. Position it on the coconut husk layer so your mantis can easily access it when it needs to hydrate.
• A simple jar lid or plastic cap makes an effective water dish.

3. Maintain a stable temperature of around 22 °C (72 °F) using a heat pad placed beneath the container. This steady warmth ensures the mantis remains comfortable and active.
• Heat pads designed for reptiles are available at pet stores or veterinary clinics.

Method 4: Food Requirements and Feeding Schedule

Praying mantises only consume live prey—they typically ignore dead insects. Their diet can include small insects like crickets, fruit flies, ladybugs, and occasionally even honey. The type and frequency of food your mantis needs will depend on its current developmental stage, such as whether it's in the 2nd or 3rd instar phase.

Instar Feeding Chart

Feeding Tips

• Flightless fruit flies can be chilled in the refrigerator for 2 to 5 minutes before feeding—just enough time for them to become sluggish. Once they've slowed down, gently place them in the enclosure. As they warm back up, they'll begin moving again. If they remain motionless after 10 minutes, they were likely chilled for too long.

• To feed ladybugs, use the same cooling technique: refrigerate them briefly until they slow their movements. Then drop one or two directly into your mantis's enclosure.

• Avoid overfeeding with crickets—limit it to no more than two crickets of an appropriate size at a time. Typically, offering one every other day is sufficient.

• When feeding honey, trim the tip of the plastic honey stick and gently squeeze to release a small drop. Carefully bring it to the mantis's mouth and let it taste the honey directly from the stick.

Praying Mantis Habitat – FAQ

• Can I keep multiple praying mantises in the same enclosure?
No, mantises are solitary and often territorial. Housing more than one mantis together typically results in cannibalism, especially during feeding or molting.

• How often should I clean the mantis enclosure?
A light cleaning every week is ideal. Replace substrate monthly and clean any mold or insect remains immediately. Avoid strong chemicals—use warm water and reptile-safe cleaners if necessary.

• Do praying mantises need light to survive indoors?
They do not require UVB like reptiles, but natural daylight or a low-intensity LED light can help maintain a healthy day/night cycle. Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight to prevent overheating.

• What signs show that a praying mantis is stressed or unwell?
Lethargy, refusing to eat, unusual posture (such as limbs dragging), or falling frequently may indicate stress, dehydration, or illness. Check for enclosure temperature, humidity, and ensure molting was successful.

• How can I tell if my mantis is about to molt?
Signs include reduced appetite, sluggishness, and hanging upside down more frequently. Avoid handling during this time and increase humidity slightly to support a successful molt.

• Is it okay to handle a praying mantis?
Yes, but handle gently and infrequently. Mantises can be curious, but too much handling may stress them out or damage delicate limbs, especially before or after molting.

• Can I feed my mantis wild-caught insects?
It's best to avoid it. Wild insects may carry pesticides or parasites that can harm your mantis. Use captive-bred feeder insects from reliable sources whenever possible.

• What should I do if my mantis escapes?
Remain calm and check warm, vertical areas near the enclosure, such as curtains, furniture edges, or windows. Mantises often stay within a few feet of their habitat and prefer high places.