Orchid Mantis
vs Double Shield Mantis
If you're new to mantis keeping, the Double Shield Mantis is the clear choice — beginner-friendly care with forgiving temperature and humidity requirements.
| Orchid Mantis | Double Shield Mantis | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Hymenopus coronatus | Pnigomantis medioconstricta |
| Care level | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Adult size (female) | 6.5 cm | 9 cm |
| Adult size (male) | 2.5 cm | 8 cm |
| Lifespan | 5–9 months | 12–18 months |
| Temperature | 75–85°F | 68–86°F |
| Humidity | 60–80% | 50–60% |
| Instars (female) | 8 | 9 |
| Instars (male) | 6 | 8 |
| Diet | Flying insects — fruit flies → houseflies → bottle flies and moths | Aggressive eaters — anything from fruit flies (L1) to roaches, dubia, and small mice as adults |
| Communal? | No | No |
| Origin | Southeast Asia — Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia | Flores Island, Indonesia |
Care Difficulty
Orchid Mantis is rated Intermediate while Double Shield Mantis is Beginner. The main differences are in humidity requirements (60–80% vs 50–60%) and temperature sensitivity.
Size & Lifespan
Double Shield Mantis is the larger species. Double Shield Mantis lives longer on average. Females of both species live longer than males — this is universal across mantis species.
Appearance
Orchid Mantis: The world's most photogenic mantis. Pink-and-white petal-mimicking limbs, native to Southeast Asian rainforests. Sought after globally for stunning visual displays. Double Shield Mantis: The aggressive eater. Stocky, mottled, with a uniquely constricted "double shield" pronotum and bright blue inner-arm markings. For keepers who want a mantis with attitude. Both are visually striking in completely different ways — check the photos above and the product pages for gallery images.
Best For
If you're new to mantis keeping, the Double Shield Mantis is the clear choice — beginner-friendly care with forgiving temperature and humidity requirements. Both species are captive-bred at our facility in Las Vegas and ship with a live arrival guarantee.
Orchid Mantis
The world's most photogenic mantis. Pink-and-white petal-mimicking limbs, native to Southeast Asian rainforests. Sought after globally for stunning visual displays.
Double Shield Mantis
The aggressive eater. Stocky, mottled, with a uniquely constricted "double shield" pronotum and bright blue inner-arm markings. For keepers who want a mantis with attitude.