There are around 2300 species of praying mantis on the Earth of which a few hundred are being kept as pets. Every species is different in shape, size, behavior, life history traits and specific needs.

The Giant Asian Mantis is one of the most easy mantis pets to keep. Here you can read all about housing, feeding, breeding and keeping this mantis species healthy.

The European Mantis, or Mantis religiosa, is a mantis species originally from Europe but has established itself in North America too. It was imported from Europe to North America in the 1600’s to combat plant pest insects. It is seen as the archetype of a mantis.

The Carolina mantis is a common praying mantis in most states of the United States. In fall the adults can be found in gardens or nature areas. Read all about keeping one!

Jun 28, 2015 · What is the best mantis species for beginners? Not every mantis species has the same needs. Some species are easy to keep because they can live in a wide variety of environments: its not easily too cold or too hot and they are …

Orchid Mantis, or Hymenopus coronatus, is a beautiful pink and white mantis with lobes on its legs that look like flower pentals. Although this species does not live on orchids, it does look remarkably well like a flower or orchid.

The spiny Flower Mantis, or Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii, is a beautiful and colorful flower mantis. They are white with orange and green stripes, and as adults they have a beautiful patch of color on their wings that looks like an eye.

The budwing mantis, or more specifically Parasphendale affinis, is a popular species of praying mantis to keep as a pet. Of the Parasphendale genus, two species are being kept in captivity: Parasphendale affinis and Parasphendale argrionina. This caresheet deals with both of them.

The Wandering Violin Mantis is a cool looking praying mantis species. It has a long slender midsection of its body, while the rest is camouflaged as dried leaves.

This may be one of the most famous mantis species: The Devils Flower Mantis or Idolomantis diabolica. It’s amazing colors and size make it the most stunning mantis there is. It’s big and when adult has beautiful white with green markings, a big shield on its back and an amazing display behaviour showing red, white, black and blue markings.