Keeping Creobroter gemmatus – Asian Flower Mantis

Creobroter gemmatus is a small flower mantis with striking wing markings. The transformation from the ant-like nymph to the green adult mantis is particularly interesting. Keeping them individually in a well-organized enclosure makes feeding easier and prevents them from cannibalizing each other.

Creobroter gemmatus at a Glance

Size	Males about 3.5 cm, females about 4.5 cm
Temperature	About 24–28 °C during the day; around 20 °C or slightly higher at night
Humidity	Moderately moist, with water droplets and good air circulation
Keeping	Individually, with secure hanging spaces
Food	Live prey that matches the animal’s actual body size

This species is native to South and Southeast Asia and lies in wait for prey among branched plants. The eye spot on adult specimens is striking. However, a threatening posture is a defensive reaction and not a behavior you should regularly provoke.

In the store, the Asian flower mantis is listed as Creobroter cf. gemmatus. “cf.” indicates that the classification has not been definitively confirmed. Therefore, please also note the details regarding the specific strain being offered.

Terrarium for Creobroter gemmatus

Safe climbing surfaces and open space underneath are more important than decorative furnishings. Plan for a terrarium height of at least three times the animal’s body length. There must be enough open space beneath the perching area for shedding. Adjust the terrarium as the animal grows.

Use a lid that closes securely and ventilation openings that are well-sealed. A few suitable twigs are often enough. Don’t overcrowd the enclosure with decorations. Even species that are sometimes kept together can eat each other; keeping them separately makes care easier.

Climate and Molting

Check the temperature at the animal’s preferred resting spot. You’ll only need an additional heater if the location is too cool. Direct sunlight and uncontrolled heat are not suitable. Spray small droplets onto the surroundings without soaking the animal, and then let the surfaces dry.

Before molting, your mantis may refuse food. If this happens, remove any prey that might be bothering it and let the mantis hang undisturbed. After molting, the new exoskeleton needs time to harden. Do not resume feeding until the mantis is gripping firmly and accepting prey.

Food for Creobroter gemmatus

Choose live prey based on the actual size of your mantis. Young nymphs should be fed small fruit flies; as they grow, larger fruit flies and, later on, golden flies or blowflies are suitable. Larval stages are only a guideline, not a fixed portion size.

For larger animals, goldflies and blowflies are useful food sources. Start by adding just a few and observe how they are caught. Remove any uneaten insects, especially before a molt. A well-filled abdomen is not a reason to continue feeding immediately.

Make sure the prey is thoroughly subdued. The designations L1, L2, and other larval stages do not indicate fixed portion sizes. For very small juveniles, the prey must also be correspondingly tiny. Do not constantly offer new prey if there are still animals left in the container.

Mating and Offspring

After successful mating, females lay egg capsules. Offspring may appear after several weeks. Do not expect a fixed number of young, and prepare enough individual rearing areas as well as very small prey.

Mating should only be considered for sexually mature, well-nourished animals. Supervise the introduction of the animals and separate them if they attack each other. Even a well-fed female may eat the male. Plan for the care of the offspring before attempting to breed them.

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Default. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.

Unblock content Accept required service and unblock content

More Information

Discover More Mantises

Here you’ll find a selection from our store. Before purchasing, make sure the specific species’ needs are compatible with your terrarium.

Still unsure? Feel free to ask us your question in the comments section below the article.