Budwing Mantis (Parrasphendale affinis)

Size

6–7.5 cm (2.4–3.0 in); females heavier; males slimmer and more agile.

Moisture

Light misting 3–4× per week is sufficient; allow full surface dry-out between sprays.

45–60% Humidity

Moderate RH with good airflow. Avoid persistently damp conditions.

Temperature

Reasonably warm and bright; indirect light is ideal.

22–28 °C (72–82 °F)

Night drop of ~2–4 °C (3–7 °F) acceptable.

Sexing

From ~i4 by sternites (♀ 6, ♂ 8). Adults: males with proportionally longer wings; females broader abdomen.

Lifespan

10–13 months depending on sex and temperature. Adult females ~5–7 months; males ~3–5 months.

Instars

Males commonly mature one molt earlier than females.

Feeding

i1–i3: Drosophila spp., tiny roaches/crickets.

i4–i6: House/green/blue bottle flies, small roaches, small hoppers.

i7–adult: Blue/green bottle flies, larger flies, small–medium roaches/locusts. Feed every 2–3 days; robust feeders but don’t overstuff before molts.

Tip: Keep perch spacing generous to reduce falls after heavy meals.

Enclosure

i1–i3: 5.5 oz deli with mesh lid/side vents.

i4–i5: 16 oz deli / small terrarium with cross-ventilation.

i6–i8: 32 oz deli / medium terrarium (≥10–12″ tall).

Subadult–Adult: 12–16″ tall; varied vertical/angled branches; substrate of paper towel or coco fiber for easy cleanup.

Other Info

Hardy beginner-friendly species; tolerates a wider humidity range compared to rainforest specialists.