African Mantis

Sphodromantis lineola

The African mantis (Sphodromantis lineola) is a large praying mantis from tropical and subtropical parts of Africa, often kept by invertebrate hobbyists under names such as African lined mantis or giant African mantis. Adults are usually green to brown, with a sturdy body, triangular head, and spined raptorial forelegs for seizing flies, moths, roaches, and other insects. Females become heavier-bodied than males and produce foamy egg cases called oothecae on branches or enclosure surfaces. Like most mantises, it is an ambush predator rather than a social insect.

Captive care centers on a simple, well-ventilated enclosure tall enough for safe molting, with twigs or mesh perches and light misting for drinking. Individuals are normally housed alone because cannibalism is common, especially around molts and breeding attempts. Feeders should be live, appropriately sized, and not left to chew on a molting mantis. Breeders track molts to estimate maturity, pair adults cautiously, and incubate oothecae separately if fertile young are wanted. Because mantises can be restricted as potential escapees or invasive insects, local rules and captive-bred sourcing matter.