Orchid Mantis
vs Double Shield Mantis
The Double Shield Mantis is easier to keep. Start there if you're still building experience.
| Orchid Mantis | Double Shield Mantis | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Hymenopus coronatus | Pnigomantis medioconstricta |
| Care level | Intermediate | Beginner-Intermediate |
| Adult size (female) | 6.5 cm | 9 cm |
| Adult size (male) | 2.5 cm | 8 cm |
| Lifespan | 5–10 months | 12–18 months |
| Temperature | 72–85°F | 68–86°F |
| Humidity | 60–80% | 50–60% |
| Molts to adult (female) | 8 (adult at L9) | 8 (adult at L9) |
| Molts to adult (male) | 6 (adult at L7) | 7 (adult at L8) |
| Diet | Flying insects: fruit flies → houseflies → bottle flies and moths | Chases prey: fruit flies (L1) → house and bottle flies → dubia roaches as adults (we don't feed crickets) |
| 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-Intermediate. 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 typically live longer than males.
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
The Double Shield Mantis is easier to keep. Start there if you're still building experience. Both species are captive-bred at our facility in Las Vegas and ship with a live arrival guarantee on Priority Overnight.
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.