Hymenopus coronatus

About Hymenopus coronatus

Hymenopus coronatus, the orchid mantis, is one of the most visually spectacular insects in the world. Native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, it mimics flower petals with flattened, lobe-shaped legs and a white-to-pink colouration that can shift in intensity with humidity and light.

This species displays extreme sexual dimorphism. Females reach 6–7 cm and are broad-bodied; males are tiny at 2.5–3 cm, mature several moults earlier, and live significantly shorter lives. Males are also far more skittish and active flyers as adults.

Like all mantids, H. coronatus undergoes incomplete metamorphosis — nymphs moult through successive instars with no pupal stage. Despite its beauty, this is not a species for beginners. It has specific environmental requirements and is less forgiving of husbandry mistakes than the commonly recommended starter species.

Enclosure

Height is essential. The enclosure must be at least three times the mantis's body length in height, with a mesh or textured ceiling. Smooth ceilings cause fatal moult failures — the mantis cannot grip and falls while its new exoskeleton is still soft.

• A well-ventilated mesh or net cage works well — it also helps maintain the high humidity this species needs
• Include artificial or live flowers and foliage — the mantis will perch among them to ambush prey
• House individually. Cannibalism is standard mantis behaviour, not a response to hunger

Temperature & humidity

This is where many keepers go wrong. H. coronatus needs consistently warm, humid conditions: 25–30°C and 70–90% humidity. In most UK homes, this requires a heat mat and frequent misting — at least once or twice daily.

Low humidity causes failed moults and dehydration. However, stagnant, saturated air is equally dangerous and promotes mould. You need high humidity with airflow — mesh enclosures help achieve this balance. A hygrometer is strongly recommended.

Feeding

H. coronatus is an ambush predator that prefers flying insects. In the wild it attracts pollinators by resembling a flower. In captivity, offer:

• Fruit flies for early nymphs
• Houseflies and bluebottle flies for juveniles and sub-adults
• Flying insects are strongly preferred — crickets may be ignored

Feed every 2–3 days. Do not overfeed. A swollen abdomen is a serious moult risk in this species. Males in particular are delicate feeders and should be offered smaller, less frequent meals.

Breeding

Breeding H. coronatus is complicated by the extreme size difference between the sexes. Males mature much faster than females, so you often need males from a younger cohort to time things correctly.

Sexual cannibalism is very likely. The female will readily kill the male before, during, or after mating. Feed the female heavily beforehand, introduce the male carefully from behind, and be prepared to lose him. This is normal mantis reproductive behaviour.