Chinese Mantis (T. sinensis)

The Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis) is naturalized in most of the US, where they have been widely distributed as a means of natural pest control. In fact, you can release one mantis on a plant outdoors, and as long as there is plentiful prey around, there is a good chance the mantis will stay on that plant and protect it from pests throughout the mantis's lifecycle!

In addition to natural pest control, their value as a beloved pet cannot be overlooked! The level of personality and intelligence displayed by the Chinese mantis is fairly advanced compared to other mantids, and they have won over many hearts indoors as well as in the garden.

Chinese mantises can tolerate a fair range when it comes to temperature and humidity, although they prefer it on the drier side, and closer to room temperature.  They tend to do well between 70°F and 85°F. Ideally, humidity should stay in the range of 50% to 60% relative humidity (RH).

The mantises currently for sale are generally 2nd or 3rd instar (L2/L3). They are currently eating fruit flies, so be sure to have the proper prey items on hand when your mantis arrives.

For more information, check out our
Chinese Mantis Caresheet.