Jewel Flower Mantis (Creobroter gemmatus) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Jewel Flower Mantis
Scientific Name	Creobroter gemmatus
Origin	Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand)
Adult Size	4–6 cm
Lifespan	6–12 months
Activity	Diurnal, predatory

Behavior

• Small, fast-moving mantis; very alert and active.

• Diurnal predator; hunts small insects using ambush tactics.

• Exhibits striking coloration for camouflage among flowers and foliage.

• Cannibalism can occur, especially in confined spaces or during feeding.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 5–10 liters for a single adult

• Substrate: 2–3 cm of coconut fiber, peat moss, or soil (optional)

• Decor: Live or artificial plants, sticks, and small branches for climbing and hunting

• Humidity: 60–70%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 25–30°C

  • Night: 20–24°C

• Lighting: Indirect or moderate light; mimics daytime conditions

• Ventilation: Good airflow to prevent mold

Compatibility

• Best housed singly; highly cannibalistic if kept together.

• Avoid housing with other predatory insects.

Diet

• Carnivorous; feeds on small live insects:

  • Fruit flies (for juveniles)

  • Small crickets

  • Pinhead roaches

• Feed juveniles daily; adults every 2–3 days

• Remove uneaten prey to prevent stress or injury

Care Tips

• Avoid handling; mantids are delicate and can be injured easily.

• Maintain consistent temperature and humidity.

• Provide vertical space for climbing and hunting.

• Clean enclosure regularly; remove dead prey and mold.

• Monitor feeding closely to prevent cannibalism.

Breeding

• Oviparous; females lay eggs in a foam-like ootheca.

• Incubation: 3–4 weeks depending on temperature and humidity.

• Nymphs are highly cannibalistic; separate immediately after hatching.

• Feed nymphs appropriately sized live prey.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥5–10 L, plants/sticks for climbing

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 25–30°C / Night 20–24°C

• 💧 Humidity: 60–70%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (small live insects)

• 🕒 Activity: Diurnal, ambush predator

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; separate nymphs to prevent cannibalism

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.