How to Make a DIY Mantis Enclosure

A proper mantis enclosure doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. The most important considerations are vertical space, ventilation, safe surfaces for hanging, and enough room for the mantis to molt successfully.

Starting From Scratch

Start with an appropriately sized plastic container. Good options include:

  • Food-storage containers
  • Deli cups
  • Fruit-fly cups
  • Clear plastic insect containers

Choose a container that is taller than it is wide whenever possible. Mantids spend much of their time climbing and hanging from elevated surfaces, especially when molting.

As a general rule, the enclosure should be approximately 3 times the mantis's body length in height and at least 2 times its body length in width.

Nymphs & Juveniles

Small nymphs can be housed in relatively simple enclosures.

For young mantids, you can glue or otherwise securely attach paper towel to the underside of the lid and along one side of the cup. This provides an easy-to-grip surface for climbing and hanging.

The lid is especially important because mantids frequently hang upside down when preparing to molt.

Make sure the paper towel is securely attached. Loose material can fall while the mantis is hanging from it.

Small ventilation holes can also be added around the enclosure. Make sure the holes are small enough that neither the mantis nor its feeder insects can escape.

Older Juveniles & Adults

As the mantis grows, upgrade to a larger and better-ventilated enclosure.

Cut a ventilation opening into one or more sides of the plastic container and securely attach soft mesh over the opening.

The lid can be modified in the same way:

  1. Cut out most of the center of the lid.
  2. Leave enough plastic around the edges to maintain its strength.
  3. Attach soft mesh over the opening.
  4. Make sure there are no sharp edges or exposed glue where the mantis can reach them.

This creates excellent ventilation while giving the mantis a large surface from which it can hang. Adding side ventilation is particularly useful because it encourages cross-ventilation rather than relying entirely on airflow through the top.

Choosing Mesh

The type of mesh used in a mantis enclosure is important. The mesh should provide a good grip without being abrasive.

Soft plastic or fabric mesh is preferred for surfaces the mantis will regularly hang from. Avoid making rigid metal screen the mantis's primary climbing surface. Constant contact with rough or rigid screening can potentially damage the feet and tarsi over time.

Tutu fabric is most commonly used my mantis keepers, due to it being easy to source, soft to the touch, and cheap. The mesh shouldn't be stretched extremely tight. A slightly flexible surface is preferable, particularly on the top.

Using Reptile Tanks

Reptile tanks can make excellent display enclosures for larger mantids, but many require a few modifications.

Commercial reptile enclosures commonly have metal or rigid plastic screen lids. If your mantis will have access to this surface, cover the inside with a layer of soft mesh.

Secure the softer mesh beneath the original screen so the mantis grips the soft material rather than the rigid screen. Do not stretch the soft mesh excessively tight. It should remain secure while retaining a little flexibility.

Make sure there are no loose edges, gaps, exposed adhesive, or areas where the mantis could become trapped between the two layers.

Remember: A mantis enclosure doesn't have to be elaborate. A simple, properly ventilated container with good grip and plenty of vertical molting space can be safer and more functional than an elaborate enclosure that wasn't designed around the mantis's needs.

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