Polyspilota aeruginosa is a striking African mantis known for its elegant proportions, soft green and brown colouring, and calm, deliberate behaviour. Adults develop a beautiful turquoise‑green wash across the body, with long, slender limbs and a refined posture that gives the species a graceful, almost regal presence. The wings of mature individuals often show a subtle metallic sheen, making them one of the more visually distinctive “classic” mantids without venturing into the extremes of flower‑mimic species.
Temperamentally, P. aeruginosa is steady and observant. It shows a confident feeding response without being overly explosive, and it tends to move with slow precision rather than skittish bursts. This makes it a rewarding display species — easy to watch, easy to handle for routine care, and generally tolerant of keeper activity around the enclosure. Nymphs grow quickly, moulting cleanly with good ventilation, and adults maintain a balanced, athletic silhouette.
Hardy and adaptable, Polyspilota aeruginosa thrives in moderate warmth and humidity, making it suitable for a wide range of setups. Its combination of beauty, stability, and ease of care has made it a long‑standing favourite among mantis keepers who appreciate a species that is both visually impressive and reliably uncomplicated.
Madagascan Marbled Mantis (Polyspilota aeruginosa)
Specifications
Size: L2/L3 Nymphs
Status: Captive Bred
Range: Madagascar, Sub Saharan AfricaCare information
Temperature 24-28 C Humidity 50-70% Diet Small Insects Enclosure Three times the length of the mantis in height
Twice the length of the mantis in width
Keep dry and hot

