Description
Conehead Mantis (Empusa pennata)
The Conehead Mantis is a truly fascinating species of praying mantis, instantly recognisable by its unusual pointed head, slender body and extraordinary camouflage. With its distinctive crown-like head structure, delicate limbs and beautifully patterned appearance, this remarkable insect looks almost like something from another world.
Native to parts of Southern Europe and North Africa, Empusa pennata is a highly specialised ambush predator that uses its incredible camouflage to blend into grasses, twigs and surrounding vegetation.
Its unique appearance, fascinating hunting behaviour and unusual body shape make the Conehead Mantis a fantastic addition to any specialist invertebrate collection.
Habitat
Conehead Mantises are adapted to relatively warm, dry environments and require excellent ventilation alongside suitable climbing and moulting opportunities.
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Enclosure: A secure, tall and well-ventilated enclosure with sufficient vertical space for climbing and moulting
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Temperature: Approximately 24–30°C during the day, with a slight nighttime reduction
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Humidity: Generally around 40–60%, avoiding excessively damp or stagnant conditions
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Lighting: A consistent day/night cycle should be provided, with suitable daytime lighting
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Decor: Thin branches, twigs, grasses and climbing structures that replicate their natural environment
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Ventilation: Excellent airflow is particularly important for this species
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Water: Occasional light misting provides drinking droplets without creating excessive humidity
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Moulting: At least three times the mantis's body length in unobstructed vertical space should be available
Conehead Mantises benefit from a well-ventilated enclosure that allows them to perch naturally and hang securely during moulting.
Feeding
Conehead Mantises are carnivorous ambush predators with a strong preference for flying insects.
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Primary Diet: Flies, moths and other appropriately sized flying insects
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Young Nymphs: Fruit flies and other suitably sized small flying insects
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Juveniles: Generally fed every 1–2 days, depending on size and appetite
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Adults: Usually fed approximately 2–3 times per week
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Feeding Behaviour: Remain motionless amongst vegetation before rapidly capturing passing prey
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Water: Drinking droplets should be provided through occasional light misting
Flying insects are particularly suitable for this species, as Conehead Mantises are naturally adapted to catching airborne prey.
Uneaten insects should be removed, especially when the mantis is preparing to moult.
General Care
Conehead Mantises are best appreciated as delicate display insects rather than regularly handled pets.
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Temperament: Generally calm but easily disturbed by excessive handling
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Handling: Best kept to a minimum due to their delicate limbs and slender body
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Adult Size: Approximately 5–7cm, with females generally larger and more robust than males
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Lifespan: Commonly around 8–12 months or longer, depending on environmental conditions and seasonal development
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Activity: Primarily active during daylight hours, often remaining motionless whilst waiting for prey
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Housing: Best housed individually to avoid aggression and cannibalism
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Moulting: Requires secure hanging surfaces and sufficient vertical clearance
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Maintenance: Stable temperatures, good ventilation and appropriate feeding are essential
Unlike many commonly kept tropical mantises, Conehead Mantises are adapted to more seasonal environments, and their development can be influenced by changes in temperature and daylight.
Why Choose a Conehead Mantis?
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Incredible pointed, crown-like head
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Unique and almost alien-like appearance
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Beautiful natural camouflage
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Fascinating flying-insect hunting behaviour
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Elegant, slender body shape
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Impressive natural adaptations
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Excellent display species for specialist invertebrate keepers
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One of the most distinctive mantises available in the hobby
With its extraordinary cone-shaped head, delicate appearance and fascinating hunting behaviour, the Conehead Mantis is a spectacular and unusual species that makes a wonderful addition to a dedicated invertebrate collection.
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