Which terrarium is right for your praying mantis? That depends mainly on its species, size, and stage of development. We’ll show you what to look for when choosing one—so your mantis can climb safely, reach its food, and molt freely.
A small rearing container might be just right for a juvenile. A large Hierodula will need significantly more space later on. Therefore, what matters most is not just how nice the terrarium looks, but how much usable space remains after it has been set up.
AT A GLANCE
The Three Most Important Points
Choose a size that fits the animal, keep the space under the shelves clear, and ensure proper ventilation. If you already have a suitable container, you don’t necessarily have to buy a new terrarium.
How big does a praying mantis terrarium need to be?
When planning, you can use the following rule of thumb: about three body lengths for length and width, and four body lengths for height. This refers to the body length without antennae and with legs extended. For the future home, base your calculations on the expected adult size of your species.
This calculation is a guideline, not a guarantee that your terrarium will be set up properly. Substrate, plants, and branches take up space. It’s especially important to have a non-slip surface at the top where your mantis can hang freely. Allow for at least twice the mantis’s body length as unobstructed space below; it’s a good idea to leave even more room.
Example: For a mantis about 5 cm long, the rule of thumb is 15 × 15 × 20 cm. A tall terrarium measuring 20 × 20 × 30 cm allows for more flexibility in setting up the enclosure. However, a branch placed directly beneath the molting spot can render even a taller terrarium unsuitable.
For young animals: clearly organized and easily accessible
With a small mantis, you want to be able to quickly tell whether it’s eating and where it’s sitting. A well-organized rearing container makes this easier. L2 or L3 refers to a developmental stage—the actual body size varies depending on the species.
The BraPlast container with dual ventilation is a practical option for rearing. Choose the size based on usable height, not just on liters. The 3-liter container is significantly shallower than the 5-liter container. Before each subsequent molt, check to see if there is still enough free space.
Do you already have a suitable container? Then check that it closes securely, has small ventilation holes, and has accessible Velcro fasteners. A bare, smooth container without proper ventilation and support isn’t a suitable home. Set it up in advance while your pet is active; during an upcoming or ongoing molt, it should be left undisturbed.
Three mantis examples for you to choose from
Ghost Mantis – Phyllocrania paradoxa: For a single specimen measuring about 5 cm, a tall terrarium measuring 20 × 20 × 30 cm is an easy-to-plan solution. Thin, securely fastened twigs provide grip. Leave some open space underneath instead of filling the entire upper area with decorations.
YOUR READING RECOMMENDATION
Getting to Know the Ghost Mantis Better
In the care guide, you’ll find more information about the developmental stages, feeding, and the needs of this species.
Indian Giant Praying Mantis – Hierodula membranacea: A large female needs more space than a ghost mantis. With a body length of 8–10 cm, our design guideline calls for a base size of about 24–30 cm and a height of 32–40 cm. A tall terrarium measuring 30 × 30 × 40 cm is therefore the more sensible starting point. The small juvenile enclosure will not grow with the mantis as it matures.
Hierodula membranacea “Indian giant praying mantis”
Orchid Mantis – Hymenopus coronatus: Gender is also important here: Males remain significantly smaller than females. If you have a juvenile that hasn’t been sexed yet, don’t just plan for the small adult size of a male. For a large female, you’ll need correspondingly more space. Air circulation and species-specific humidity levels must be properly balanced.
A complete set or a single terrarium?
If you’re just getting started and don’t have any equipment yet, the Mantid Terrarium Complete Set (20 × 20 × 30 cm) can be a practical option—for example, for a single ghost mantis. It already includes substrate and climbing structures. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for every mantis species and every final size.
Also check what kind of lighting is included and whether your location requires additional heat. A heat source isn’t turned on just because it’s part of the setup. Measure the temperature where the animal spends its time.
Mantid terrarium complete set
If you already have tank equipment or are planning to keep a larger animal, you can choose the terrarium individually. For large mantises, the tall version of the Repto Terra Sky, measuring 30 × 30 × 42 cm, is a good option. Check the selection field for the exact dimensions and availability. A shallower model is not an equivalent substitute if it results in insufficient space for molting.
Ventilation: Fresh Air Instead of a Rigid Percentage Formula
Ventilation openings in the lid and, additionally, on one side or the front promote air circulation. The mesh must be fine enough to prevent both your young animal and small feed animals from escaping. Ventilation openings must not be blocked by furnishings or covers.
A percentage alone doesn’t tell you much about how well your terrarium is functioning. The location and material of the ventilation, the room’s climate, and the interior setup also play a role. Therefore, check the air exchange in the fully set-up terrarium.
Monitor the terrarium after spraying: Persistently wet surfaces, a musty odor, or mold are signs that you should check the amount of water sprayed, food debris, and air circulation. How quickly surfaces dry depends on the terrarium’s design and the room’s climate. At the same time, a moisture-loving species must not be allowed to dry out. Tailor the care to your specific mantis species.
This leaves room for safe molting
- Provide grippy, stable seating surfaces in the upper section. Smooth walls alone are not enough.
- Leave some open space near suitable molting spots. Branches, leaves, and decorations should not be in the way there.
- Secure the setup so that it doesn’t tip over when you open it or feed the animals.
- Plan for easy access: A front opening makes cleaning easier without having to lift the lid every time, with the animal still inside.
- Do not place the terrarium in direct sunlight. Check the temperature and humidity at the actual location before introducing the animal.
YOUR READING RECOMMENDATION
What kind of lighting does your mantis need?
Here, we break down the differences between light and supplemental heat and show you the right solutions for your terrarium.
One mantis or several together?
To start out, we recommend keeping them alone. That way, you can better monitor their food intake and molting and prevent a housemate from becoming prey.
Ghost mantises are typically kept in groups. However, this is not without risk. More space or more food does not rule out cannibalism. A blanket rule of adding 25 percent to the terrarium size per animal cannot account for this risk. If you want to keep multiple animals, plan for appropriate individual containers to separate them and seek advice specific to the species in question.
A Quick Checklist Before You Move In
- The type and stage of development are known; the eventual final size has been factored in.
- The mantis finds a foothold above and enough open space below.
- The ventilation and closure are also suitable for small animals.
- Temperature and humidity were checked at the site.
- You can reach leftover food and groom the animal without disturbing it unnecessarily.
If that’s already taken care of, you don’t need to buy any more accessories just in case. Often, arranging the existing branches in a better way makes more of a difference than adding extra decorations.
YOUR READING RECOMMENDATION
And how do you keep your food supply fresh?
Our guide shows you how to store and care for live feed until the next feeding.
Still unsure? Feel free to ask us your question in the comments section below the article.
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