Keeping Miomantis paykullii – Egyptian Praying Mantis

Miomantis paykullii is a small, agile praying mantis. It changes its location more frequently than many other mantises and can jump quickly when disturbed. If you enjoy observing hunting behavior, it’s fascinating—but it requires special attention when opening the terrarium.

Miomantis paykullii at a Glance

Size	about 3–4 cm
Temperature	About 25 °C during the day as a general guide; slightly cooler at night
Humidity	A somewhat drier environment with water offered in small amounts as needed
Keeping	Individually, with secure hanging spaces
Food	Live prey that matches the animal’s actual body size

This species is native to large parts of Africa and feeds on shrubs and grasses. Adult males can fly. Therefore, when opening the container, ensure the environment is quiet and keep other pets away.

Terrarium for Miomantis paykullii

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 Miomantis paykullii

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

In the case of Miomantis paykullii, reproduction is possible even without mating. However, this usually results in only a few offspring; it is not a reliable method for ensuring the long-term survival of a population. Nevertheless, plan for the possibility of offspring if you keep a female.

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.

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

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