Conehead Mantis (Empusa pennata) Care Sheet
The Conehead Mantis (Empusa pennata) is an elegant and highly distinctive mantis recognised by its elongated body, unusual pointed head crest and elaborate lobes on the legs and abdomen.
Native to parts of the Mediterranean region and surrounding areas, this species is superbly adapted to living among dry grasses, shrubs and thin vegetation. Its slender shape and mottled green, brown, beige and pinkish colouration allow it to blend remarkably well into its surroundings.
Unlike heavier generalist mantises, Empusa pennata is particularly well adapted to capturing flying insects. Flies and other suitable captive-bred flying feeders therefore form an important part of successful captive husbandry.
Conehead Mantises generally favour warm, relatively dry and exceptionally well-ventilated conditions. They should not be maintained in permanently humid or stagnant enclosures.
The species can be more demanding than robust beginner mantises because of its feeding preferences, ventilation requirements and relatively delicate build. It is best suited to an intermediate keeper who can maintain reliable cultures or supplies of suitable flying prey.
Successful husbandry requires a tall, extremely well-ventilated enclosure, secure overhead grip, warm temperatures, moderate-to-low humidity, regular drinking opportunities, abundant suitable flying prey and generous unobstructed moulting space.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Empusa pennata
Common names: Conehead Mantis, Mediterranean Conehead Mantis
Order: Mantodea
Family: Empusidae
Origin: Mediterranean region and surrounding areas
Adult female size: Approximately 6–8 cm
Adult male size: Approximately 5–7 cm
Diet: Carnivorous/insectivorous
Preferred prey: Flying insects
Lifestyle: Arboreal/vegetation-dwelling ambush predator
Activity: Primarily diurnal
Housing: Individual housing is the safest approach
Temperature: Approximately 24–30°C during the active season
Humidity: Low to moderate with excellent ventilation
Handling: Limited
Flight: Adult males are capable fliers
Experience level: Intermediate
Major requirements: Flying prey, warmth, strong ventilation and moulting space
Natural Distribution
Empusa pennata occurs across parts of the:
- Mediterranean region
- Southern Europe
- North Africa
- Western Asia
Exact distribution varies geographically.
The species is associated with warm, relatively dry habitats containing:
- Grassland
- Scrub
- Dry meadows
- Shrubby vegetation
- Herbaceous plants
- Open sunny areas
Natural Habitat
Unlike tropical mantises associated with humid rainforest environments, Empusa pennata commonly experiences:
- Strong airflow
- Warm daytime temperatures
- Relatively dry vegetation
- Seasonal temperature changes
- Intense natural daylight
- Cooler nighttime conditions
Captive housing should reflect the importance of airflow rather than attempting to maintain constantly high humidity.
Appearance
The Conehead Mantis has one of the most distinctive silhouettes among commonly kept mantises.
Characteristic features include:
- Extremely slender body
- Long prothorax
- Pointed head projection
- Lobed legs
- Narrow abdomen
- Long antennae
- Powerful raptorial forelegs
- Cryptic colouration
Head Crest
The unusual pointed structure extending above the head gives the species its common name:
Conehead Mantis.
This structure contributes to the insect’s camouflage by disrupting the familiar outline of the head.
Leg Lobes
The walking legs possess distinctive lobes.
These help break up the outline of the mantis and contribute to its resemblance to:
- Dry vegetation
- Flowering stems
- Leaves
- Irregular plant material
Colour
Individuals may display combinations of:
- Green
- Brown
- Beige
- Grey
- Pinkish tones
- Cream
Colour can vary substantially between individuals.
Camouflage
Empusa pennata relies upon both:
physical appearance and behaviour
for camouflage.
Its narrow body can closely resemble a plant stem.
When combined with slow swaying movements, the mantis can become extremely difficult to distinguish from surrounding vegetation.
Adult Size
Adult females generally reach approximately:
6–8 cm.
Adult males are usually:
5–7 cm
and considerably more slender.
Exact size varies between individuals.
Sexual Dimorphism
Adult males and females can be distinguished relatively easily.
Females are generally:
- Larger
- Broader
- Heavier
- More robust
Males are:
- Slimmer
- Lighter
- More mobile
- Stronger fliers
Male Antennae
One particularly useful characteristic of adult male empusid mantises is their:
prominent feathery or comb-like antennae.
These help males detect chemical signals associated with females.
Female Antennae
Females possess comparatively simpler antennae.
The difference becomes particularly obvious at adulthood.
Adult Females
Adult females typically possess:
- Broader abdomen
- Heavier body
- Developed wings
- Robust raptorial forelegs
They are less agile in flight than males.
Adult Males
Adult males are particularly distinctive.
They possess:
- Slim abdomen
- Long functional wings
- Feathery antennae
- Lightweight body
- Stronger flight ability
Extra care is required during enclosure maintenance.
Sexing Nymphs
Juveniles can be sexed as they mature using characteristics such as:
- Abdominal structure
- Developing antennae
- Body proportions
Sexing becomes progressively easier with age.
Hunting Behaviour
The Conehead Mantis is an:
ambush predator.
It commonly remains motionless among vegetation while watching for passing insects.
Once prey enters striking range, the mantis captures it rapidly using its raptorial forelegs.
Flying-Prey Specialist
Empusa pennata shows a strong preference for:
flying insects.
This is one of the most important husbandry considerations for the species.
Suitable flying prey should form the foundation of the captive diet.
Diet
Suitable captive-bred feeders include:
- Fruit flies
- House flies
- Green bottle flies
- Blue bottle flies
- Other appropriately sized cultured flies
- Small moths from safe captive cultures where available
A varied selection of safe flying prey is ideal.
Hatchling Food
Very small nymphs can be offered:
- Drosophila melanogaster
- Drosophila hydei
Choose prey appropriate to the nymph’s size.
House Flies
House flies are particularly useful as the mantis grows.
They:
- Remain active
- Climb and fly
- Trigger natural hunting
- Remain visible to the mantis
Green Bottle Flies
Green bottle flies can provide excellent prey for larger nymphs and adults.
Their movement through the upper enclosure strongly stimulates hunting behaviour.
Blue Bottle Flies
Blue bottle flies may be suitable for sufficiently large individuals.
Always ensure the mantis can overpower the prey comfortably.
Producing Flies
Many keepers obtain flies as:
pupae.
These can be allowed to emerge before being introduced to the mantis.
Maintaining a reliable feeder supply is particularly important with this species.
Why Feeder Planning Matters
A keeper should not obtain Empusa pennata without first considering how flying prey will be supplied throughout the year.
Depending solely upon occasional shop availability can result in:
- Food shortages
- Inappropriate substitutions
- Underfeeding
A dependable feeder source should be established beforehand.
Roaches
Some individuals may accept appropriately sized roaches.
However, crawling prey is generally less suitable than flying prey for this species.
Roaches should therefore not automatically be relied upon as the primary food source.
Locusts
Small locusts may sometimes be accepted.
Again, they should supplement rather than completely replace suitable flying prey.
Crickets
Crickets are not ideal as a staple feeder.
They may:
- Hide
- Bite
- Disturb a moulting mantis
- Attack a freshly moulted individual
Remove uneaten crickets promptly.
Mealworms
Mealworms are generally poor primary prey for this species because they:
- Fall to the enclosure floor
- Burrow
- Do not stimulate normal aerial hunting behaviour
They should not form the foundation of the diet.
Wild-Caught Flying Insects
Avoid collecting random wild insects for feeding.
Potential risks include:
- Pesticides
- Parasites
- Pathogens
- Toxic prey species
- Unknown chemical exposure
Captive-bred feeders are safer.
Vertebrate Prey
Conehead Mantises do not require vertebrate prey.
Never offer:
- Mice
- Frogs
- Lizards
- Birds
A suitable diet can be provided entirely with invertebrates.
Prey Size
Choose prey the mantis can capture safely.
Avoid insects that are:
- Excessively large
- Aggressive
- Heavily armoured
- Capable of damaging the mantis
Feeding Frequency
Feeding frequency depends upon:
- Age
- Temperature
- Prey size
- Body condition
- Reproductive condition
Growing nymphs generally require food more frequently than adults.
Abdomen Condition
The abdomen can help assess feeding condition.
A thin abdomen may indicate that feeding is required.
A visibly full abdomen suggests another large meal is unnecessary immediately.
Overfeeding
Avoid excessive feeding.
A very heavy abdomen may increase:
- Physical strain
- Reduced mobility
- Risk associated with falls
Premoult Fasting
A nymph approaching a moult may stop feeding.
This is normal.
When premoult is suspected:
- Remove uneaten prey
- Maintain appropriate hydration
- Avoid handling
- Minimise disturbance
Housing
A tall, highly ventilated enclosure is essential.
Suitable options include:
- Mesh insect cages
- Cross-ventilated acrylic enclosures
- Purpose-built mantis enclosures
- Tall ventilated terrariums
Individual Housing
The safest routine approach is:
individual housing.
Cannibalism can occur, particularly where:
- Individuals differ in size
- Food is limited
- Space is restricted
- One animal is moulting
Communal Keeping
Some empusid mantises may show greater tolerance of conspecifics than highly aggressive mantis species.
However:
tolerance does not eliminate cannibalism risk.
For a general care sheet, individual housing remains the safest recommendation.
Enclosure Size
A useful general rule is approximately:
three times the mantis’ body length in height
and:
at least twice its body length in width.
For an adult, an enclosure around:
20 × 20 × 30 cm or larger
provides a useful starting point.
Height
Vertical space is essential.
The mantis needs room to:
- Climb
- Hunt
- Rest
- Moult
- Expand adult wings
Moulting Height
The mantis moults while hanging upside down.
It must be able to:
- Secure itself overhead.
- Hang completely free.
- Split the old exoskeleton.
- Pull downward.
- Extract the legs and forelegs.
- Extend completely.
- Remain hanging while hardening.
Insufficient clearance can cause a severe mismoult.
Clear Moulting Zone
Leave substantial open space below the enclosure roof.
Avoid filling the entire enclosure with dense vegetation.
A moulting mantis must not collide with:
- Branches
- Plants
- Feeding dishes
- The floor
Roof Grip
The enclosure roof should provide:
secure textured grip.
Suitable materials include:
- Fine plastic mesh
- Fabric insect mesh
- Safe textured ventilation surfaces
Smooth glass or acrylic alone is unsuitable.
Metal Mesh
Avoid rough or sharp metal mesh.
Mantis feet can become:
- Damaged
- Worn
- Trapped
Fine insect-safe mesh is preferable.
Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the most important requirements for Empusa pennata.
The species should be maintained with:
excellent airflow.
A damp sealed container is unsuitable.
Cross-Ventilation
Cross-ventilation is strongly recommended.
This can be provided using:
- Opposing ventilation panels
- Side ventilation combined with roof mesh
- Large mesh enclosure sections
Good airflow helps prevent stagnant conditions.
Temperature
During active growth and maintenance, a useful daytime range is approximately:
24–30°C.
A daytime target around:
25–28°C
works well for many captive individuals.
Night Temperature
A nighttime reduction is appropriate.
Night temperatures may fall to approximately:
18–22°C
depending upon the season and origin of the stock.
Avoid sudden extreme temperature changes.
Seasonal Husbandry
Empusa pennata experiences stronger seasonal changes in nature than many tropical mantises.
Depending upon:
- Geographic origin
- Captive bloodline
- Developmental stage
nymphs may naturally experience periods of cooler conditions and slower development.
Breeders should obtain information about the specific stock they are keeping rather than assuming identical year-round conditions for every lineage.
Winter Development
In parts of its natural range, Empusa pennata can pass cooler periods as a nymph.
This means seasonal development may differ from the continuously warm life cycle typical of many tropical mantises.
Do not impose an artificial cold period without understanding the origin and established husbandry of the captive stock.
Heating
If supplemental heating is required, use:
- Room heating
- Gentle external heating
- Thermostatically controlled equipment
Avoid intense heat sources close to the enclosure.
Thermostat
Dedicated heating equipment should ideally be controlled by:
a reliable thermostat.
Small enclosures can overheat rapidly.
Temperature Monitoring
Use a reliable thermometer.
Do not estimate temperature entirely by:
- Touch
- Guesswork
- General room temperature
Direct Sunlight
Although the species naturally experiences bright Mediterranean conditions, a captive enclosure should:
never be placed in direct sunlight as a heating method.
Transparent enclosures can overheat extremely quickly.
Humidity
Conehead Mantises generally favour:
low-to-moderate humidity.
Approximately:
40–60% relative humidity
provides a useful general guide for active husbandry.
Ventilation is more important than maintaining a precise humidity number.
Humidity Is Not Hydration
A relatively dry enclosure does not mean the mantis should be dehydrated.
Provide drinking opportunities while allowing the enclosure to dry afterward.
Misting
Light misting can provide:
- Drinking droplets
- Temporary humidity
The enclosure should be allowed to dry rather than remaining constantly wet.
Misting Frequency
The correct frequency depends upon:
- Ventilation
- Room humidity
- Temperature
- Season
- Enclosure design
Light misting every day or every few days may be appropriate depending upon conditions.
Drinking
Mantises commonly drink droplets from:
- Mesh
- Leaves
- Branches
- Enclosure walls
Observe whether the animal drinks after misting.
Direct Spraying
Avoid forcefully spraying the mantis.
Mist nearby surfaces instead.
Water Bowls
Open water bowls are generally unnecessary.
Hydration can normally be provided through:
- Drinking droplets
- Prey
- Appropriate environmental moisture
Substrate
Simple substrate works well.
Suitable options include:
- Paper towel
- Plain paper
- Thin dry naturalistic substrate
- Coco fibre used sparingly
Avoid permanently wet substrate.
Paper Flooring
Paper makes maintenance particularly straightforward.
It allows easy monitoring of:
- Droppings
- Feeder remains
- Mould
- General cleanliness
Furnishings
Suitable furnishings include:
- Thin branches
- Dried stems
- Artificial vegetation
- Pesticide-free live plants
The enclosure should remain relatively open.
Thin Branches
Thin branches and stems are particularly useful.
They allow the mantis to:
- Climb naturally
- Adopt cryptic resting positions
- Hunt passing flies
- Move between enclosure levels
Branch Orientation
Provide branches at:
- Vertical angles
- Diagonal angles
- Horizontal angles
Ensure they are securely fixed.
Dry Vegetation
Clean dried vegetation can create a natural-looking environment.
Only use material known to be free from:
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Contamination
Live Plants
Live plants can be used if they are:
- Pesticide free
- Suitable for relatively dry conditions
- Structurally safe
Do not assume recently purchased ornamental plants are insect-safe.
Lighting
Provide a clear day/night cycle.
Approximately:
12–14 hours of light during warmer active periods
can be suitable.
Seasonal adjustments may be appropriate for experienced keepers managing naturalistic development.
UVB
Dedicated UVB lighting is not generally considered essential.
Bright visible lighting may help establish a clear daytime period, but it must not overheat the enclosure.
Activity
Conehead Mantises can remain motionless for long periods.
This is normal.
Stillness is an important component of:
- Camouflage
- Predator avoidance
- Ambush hunting
Swaying Behaviour
The mantis may sway gently while walking.
This resembles:
vegetation moving in the wind.
The behaviour is normal.
Resting Position
A Conehead Mantis may align itself with:
- Thin stems
- Grass
- Branches
and remain almost completely motionless.
This makes its camouflage remarkably effective.
Handling
Handling should remain limited.
The species is slender and relatively delicate.
Allow the mantis to:
walk onto your hand voluntarily.
Never grab it.
Handling Area
Always handle:
- Indoors
- In a closed room
- Away from open windows
- Away from exterior doors
- Away from fans
- Away from pets
Adult males can fly readily.
Jumping
Nymphs can jump suddenly.
Keep your hands close to a safe surface during transfers.
Male Flight
Adult males are capable fliers.
Their light bodies and functional wings make escape relatively easy if an enclosure is opened carelessly.
Female Flight
Females possess wings but are generally heavier and less agile in flight.
Nevertheless, all adults should be treated as potential escape risks.
Defensive Behaviour
When threatened, an individual may:
- Freeze
- Sway
- Raise the raptorial forelegs
- Move away
- Use the wings
- Attempt to escape
Allow a defensive mantis to settle.
Moulting
Moulting is the most vulnerable stage of development.
The enclosure must be designed around this process.
Premoult Signs
Possible signs include:
- Refusal of food
- Reduced activity
- Prolonged hanging
- Avoidance of prey
Remove uneaten feeders when premoult is suspected.
During Moulting
Never:
- Handle the mantis
- Move the enclosure unnecessarily
- Introduce live prey
- Touch the exuvia
- Spray directly onto the animal
A fall can be fatal.
Freshly Moulted Mantises
Immediately after moulting, the mantis is:
soft and extremely vulnerable.
It may appear pale or weak.
Leave it undisturbed while the new exoskeleton hardens.
Feeding After Moulting
Do not immediately introduce substantial prey.
Wait until the mantis:
- Has hardened
- Is gripping normally
- Has regained normal coordination
Exuvia
The discarded old exoskeleton is called the:
exuvia.
It can be removed once the mantis has completely finished moulting and moved away.
Mismoults
Potential causes include:
- Insufficient height
- Poor overhead grip
- Dehydration
- Unsuitable environmental conditions
- Physical obstruction
- Disturbance
- Falls
Prevention is critical.
Limb Damage
Young nymphs may partially recover from minor limb damage during subsequent moults.
The degree of recovery depends upon:
- Severity
- Developmental stage
- Number of moults remaining
Adults cannot regenerate injuries through further moulting.
Final Moult
The final moult produces the fully winged adult.
Generous clearance is essential because the wings must:
- Expand
- Straighten
- Harden
without obstruction.
Wing Deformities
A poor final moult can produce:
- Crumpled wings
- Bent wings
- Uneven wing expansion
These cannot be corrected through another moult once adulthood has been reached.
Nymph Housing
Young nymphs require:
- Fine ventilation
- Secure overhead grip
- Appropriate warmth
- Moderate hydration
- Small flying prey
- Generous moulting clearance
Increase enclosure size as the animal grows.
Escape Prevention
Small nymphs can pass through surprisingly narrow openings.
Check:
- Ventilation holes
- Mesh size
- Door gaps
- Lid seams
carefully.
Growth
Conehead Mantises develop through a sequence of:
nymphal instars.
Each instar ends in a moult.
Development speed can vary considerably according to:
- Temperature
- Season
- Feeding
- Sex
- Geographic lineage
Social Housing
Some keepers report a degree of tolerance between appropriately maintained empusid mantises.
However, cannibalism remains possible.
For general husbandry:
individual housing is the safest recommendation.
Cannibalism
Risk can increase when:
- Food becomes scarce
- Size differences develop
- Animals are crowded
- One individual is moulting
Never assume communal animals are completely safe together.
Breeding
Breeding requires mature, well-conditioned adults.
You will need:
- Mature male
- Mature female
- Suitable introduction space
- Reliable flying prey
- Careful observation
Female Maturity
Allow the female sufficient time after the final moult to:
- Harden
- Feed
- Reach reproductive maturity
Do not introduce a male immediately.
Male Maturity
Adult males also require time to harden and mature after their final moult.
Preparing the Female
Feed the female adequately before introduction.
This may reduce but cannot eliminate cannibalism risk.
Introducing the Male
Allow the male to approach naturally.
A spacious enclosure with numerous secure perches gives him opportunities to:
- Observe the female
- Approach
- Retreat if necessary
Courtship
Courtship may involve:
- Visual observation
- Cautious movement
- Gradual approach
- Mounting from behind
Avoid unnecessary disturbance.
Sexual Cannibalism
Although behaviour varies between mantis species and individuals, sexual cannibalism remains possible.
Monitor breeding introductions carefully.
After Mating
Once mating is complete, separate adults when appropriate.
Permanent pair housing is unnecessary.
Ootheca
Females produce protective egg cases known as:
oothecae.
These contain multiple developing eggs.
Ootheca Attachment
Oothecae may be attached to:
- Stems
- Branches
- Mesh
- Enclosure surfaces
Avoid forcibly removing firmly attached oothecae.
Ootheca Production
A mature female may produce:
multiple oothecae.
Not every ootheca is necessarily fertile.
Ootheca Incubation
Incubation should reflect the environmental requirements of the particular captive lineage.
Generally provide:
- Good ventilation
- Appropriate seasonal temperature
- Moderate moisture
- Protection from saturation
Seasonal Ootheca Considerations
Because Empusa pennata comes from seasonal climates, incubation should not automatically be treated exactly like that of a tropical mantis.
Development may depend upon:
- Geographic origin
- Temperature
- Season
- Captive lineage
Where possible, obtain breeding information from the source of the animals.
Ootheca Moisture
Do not keep the ootheca permanently wet.
Good airflow is essential.
Light moisture may be provided where necessary to prevent excessive desiccation.
Hatching
A fertile ootheca can produce numerous small nymphs.
Prepare before hatching.
Preparing for Hatchlings
Have ready:
- Established fruit fly cultures
- Suitable rearing containers
- Fine ventilation
- Secure overhead grip
- Correct environmental conditions
Reliable feeder production is especially important.
Hatchling Diet
Newly hatched nymphs require:
very small flying prey.
Fruit flies are generally the most practical option.
Nymph Cannibalism
Cannibalism among nymphs is possible.
Individual rearing provides the lowest risk.
If young nymphs are temporarily maintained together, provide:
- Abundant prey
- Considerable space
- Numerous perches
Monitor carefully.
Population Planning
Before breeding, ensure you have:
- Sufficient containers
- Large fruit fly cultures
- Adequate space
- Time for maintenance
- Responsible homes for offspring
Breeding should never be attempted without planning for the resulting nymphs.
Lifespan
Lifespan and developmental timing can vary considerably because this species experiences:
seasonal development.
Females generally live longer than adult males.
The total life cycle may extend to approximately a year or longer depending upon seasonal conditions.
Health
Common husbandry-related risks include:
- Mismoults
- Dehydration
- Poor ventilation
- Excessive humidity
- Feeder shortages
- Falls
- Overheating
- Pesticide exposure
Warning Signs
Potential concerns include:
- Repeated falling
- Weak grip
- Loss of coordination
- Severe limb deformity
- Failed moulting
- Persistent weakness
- Prolonged food refusal unrelated to premoult or seasonal behaviour
Hanging Upside Down
Hanging upside down is:
normal mantis behaviour.
It may indicate:
- Resting
- Hunting
- Premoult
Do not disturb the mantis solely because it is hanging.
Cleaning
Routine maintenance should include:
- Removing dead feeders
- Removing prey remains
- Removing droppings
- Replacing dirty substrate
- Removing mould
Avoid major disturbance immediately before moulting.
Mites
Mite problems are encouraged by:
- Accumulated food waste
- Excessive moisture
- Poor ventilation
Correct the underlying husbandry rather than using insecticides.
Household Chemicals
Keep the enclosure away from:
- Fly spray
- Flea treatments
- Ant killer
- Household insecticides
- Garden pesticides
These can be rapidly fatal to captive mantises.
Aerosols
Avoid spraying near the enclosure:
- Air freshener
- Perfume
- Cleaning sprays
- Deodorising aerosols
A well-ventilated enclosure allows airborne contaminants to enter easily.
Pesticide Exposure
Possible signs of insecticide poisoning include:
- Trembling
- Weak grip
- Loss of coordination
- Falling
- Rapid deterioration
Prevention is essential.
Quarantine
New mantises should be maintained separately.
Monitor:
- Feeding
- Grip
- Coordination
- Moulting
- General condition
Captive-Bred Animals
Captive-bred animals should be preferred whenever available.
Advantages include:
- Known origin
- Known developmental stage
- Established feeding history
- Better information about seasonal husbandry
- Reduced collection pressure on wild populations
Responsible Sourcing
Before obtaining Empusa pennata, ask:
- Is it captive-bred?
- What geographic lineage is it?
- What instar is it?
- When did it last moult?
- What prey is it eating?
- Has it experienced seasonal cooling?
- What temperatures has the breeder used?
For this species, information about the established captive line can be particularly valuable.
Legal Considerations
Regulations concerning native and exotic mantises vary considerably by jurisdiction.
Because Empusa pennata occurs naturally in parts of Europe and surrounding regions, local wildlife protection laws may apply to:
- Collection
- Possession
- Sale
- Breeding
- Transport
- Import
- Export
Always check the law applicable to your location and the origin of the animals.
Wild Collection
Do not collect wild Empusa pennata unless you have confirmed that doing so is:
legal and environmentally responsible.
Captive-bred animals should be preferred.
Never Release Captive Mantises
Never release captive:
- Adults
- Nymphs
- Oothecae
into the environment.
This applies even in countries where the species occurs naturally because captive animals may originate from different populations and carry pathogens or unsuitable genetics.
Common Husbandry Mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- Poor ventilation
- Keeping the enclosure constantly humid
- Failing to establish a reliable supply of flying prey
- Relying entirely on unsuitable crawling feeders
- Enclosures that are too short
- Poor overhead grip
- Allowing dehydration
- Oversized prey
- Leaving dangerous feeders during premoult
- Handling during moulting
- Direct sunlight
- Uncontrolled heating
- Ignoring seasonal development
- Underestimating adult male flight
Are Conehead Mantises Suitable for Beginners?
They are best considered:
intermediate.
Their environmental requirements are not extreme, but successful care depends upon understanding several important differences from more generalist mantises.
These include:
- Strong preference for flying prey
- Excellent ventilation
- Relatively dry husbandry
- Delicate body structure
- Seasonal development
- Secure moulting space
- Adult male flight
A keeper who has already maintained a more straightforward mantis species will generally be better prepared.
Educational Value
Empusa pennata provides excellent opportunities to observe:
- Stem and vegetation mimicry
- Camouflage
- Ambush predation
- Flying-prey specialisation
- Swaying behaviour
- Sexual dimorphism
- Male feathery antennae
- Moulting
- Seasonal development
- Courtship
- Ootheca production
Why This Species Is Special
The Conehead Mantis combines an unusual collection of adaptations.
Its:
- Pointed head crest
- Elaborately lobed legs
- Extremely slender body
- Cryptic colouration
- Slow swaying movement
- Specialisation toward flying prey
give it an appearance and behaviour quite unlike more familiar broad-bodied mantises.
Adult males become especially distinctive because of their:
large feathery antennae and functional wings.
Responsible Ownership
Before obtaining a Conehead Mantis, ensure you can provide:
- Reliable supplies of flying prey
- A tall enclosure
- Excellent ventilation
- Secure overhead grip
- Appropriate warmth
- Regular drinking opportunities
- Seasonal husbandry appropriate to the captive lineage
- Safe indoor handling conditions
Breeders must additionally prepare suitable food and accommodation for numerous small nymphs.
Summary
The Conehead Mantis (Empusa pennata) is an elegant Mediterranean-region mantis distinguished by its pointed head crest, lobed limbs, slender body and exceptional camouflage among dry grasses and vegetation.
Unlike many generalist mantises, Empusa pennata has a strong preference for flying prey, making reliable supplies of fruit flies, house flies and larger cultured flies particularly important.
Successful husbandry requires a tall, exceptionally well-ventilated enclosure, secure overhead grip, warm daytime conditions, low-to-moderate humidity, regular access to drinking droplets and abundant appropriately sized flying prey.
During active periods, daytime temperatures of approximately 24–30°C, with around 25–28°C providing a useful routine target, are suitable for many captive animals. Moderate nighttime cooling is appropriate.
Humidity around 40–60% provides a useful general guide, but airflow and hydration are more important than maintaining an exact percentage. The enclosure should never remain permanently wet or stagnant.
The species originates from seasonal climates, and some captive lines may experience cooler periods or slowed winter development. Keepers should obtain information about the origin and established husbandry of their particular stock rather than imposing an arbitrary cooling period.
Moulting requires generous vertical clearance and secure overhead grip. Live feeders should be removed whenever premoult is suspected.
Adult males are particularly distinctive, developing long wings and conspicuous feathery antennae. They are capable fliers, so enclosure maintenance should always take place indoors in a secure room.
With reliable flying prey, excellent ventilation and careful attention to seasonal development and moulting, Empusa pennata is a fascinating species for an intermediate mantis keeper.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace current species-specific research or applicable wildlife and import legislation.
Conehead Mantises require excellent ventilation and should not be maintained in permanently wet or stagnant enclosures.
Flying insects should form an important part of the diet. Establish a dependable supply of appropriately sized captive-bred feeders before obtaining the species.
Provide secure overhead grip and substantial unobstructed vertical space for moulting. Never handle or disturb a mantis while it is actively moulting or immediately afterwards.
Seasonal requirements can vary according to the geographic origin and captive lineage of the animals. Do not impose extreme cooling or other seasonal changes without reliable information about the stock being maintained.
Adult males are capable fliers. Always carry out handling and enclosure maintenance indoors away from open windows and exterior doors.
Individual housing is the safest routine approach because cannibalism remains possible.
Never release captive adults, nymphs or oothecae into the environment.
Always verify current regulations concerning collection, possession, breeding, sale, transport, import and export in your jurisdiction.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: August 2026