Japanese Boxer Mantis (Acromantis japonica)

What Are Japanese Boxer Mantis?

Acromantis japonica is an impressive species of praying mantis that is native to East Asia.

This insect is part of the Mantidae family of mantises and has earned its common name from its distinctive behavior of squaring off against each other in a boxing-like stance.

These mantises feature a prominent pair of eyes, long antennae, and hook-like claws.

Though native to East Asia, they have been spread over other parts of the world as pet owners have introduced them.

What Do Japanese Boxer Mantis Look Like?

The Japanese Boxer Mantis is a medium to large species of praying mantis when compared to other types of mantes.

It is easily recognizable by its bright, vivid colors and distinct body shape. The mantis is typically between 1 to 3 centimeters in length and is usually bright green or reddish.

Adults have an enlarged “boxer” head with unique markings on its face.

Its front legs are very long and spiny giving it an intimidating appearance.

This mantis has three long segments on its abdomen, two pairs of wings that extend past its abdomen, and delicate antennae on its head for sensing its environment.

Additionally, its eyes are very large, allowing it to see its prey from a distance.

Benefits Of Using Japanese Boxer Mantis

One of the biggest benefits of using Acromantis japonica in vivariums is its unique beauty and vibrant coloration.

These nocturnal insects have a bright yellow and orange coloration with contrasting black spots that make them stand out from other mantis species.

Uniquely sized at about 1 inch, they are also one of the smallest species of mantis and are a perfect addition to smaller terrariums.

Not only are they visually interesting but they also make for excellent predators, providing an all-natural way to keep unwanted pests or other smaller invertebrates out of the tank.

Japanese Boxer Mantis are also low maintenance, requiring only basic care and habitat setup to thrive.

Japanese Boxer Mantis Facts

Acromantis japonica is found in Japan and East Asia and is a small insect with striking patterns.

It is a carnivorous species that feeds mainly on flying insects such as fruit flies and moths.

The mantis is considered mild-tempered, with a lifespan of up to a year, and will lay eggs after an elaborate courtship display.

Through proper care, it is possible to breed Japanese Boxer Mantids in captivity.

Habitat

The Japanese Boxer Mantis is a species of mantis found in Japan and East Asia.

The mantis naturally inhabits grasslands, woodlands, and meadows, and is adapted to living in cool, moist environments. 

This species is nocturnal and typically hides during the day, usually on the underside of leaves or in the crevices of rocks or logs.

They live a solitary lifestyle, so when in the wild, Acromantis japonica will mainly occupy small specific areas.

Create the perfect home for your mantis with our Customizable Mantis Enclosure Kits, designed to meet all their habitat needs.

Diet

In the wild, the Japanese Boxer Mantis feeds on a variety of prey such as small insects, spiders, and even other mantids.

They have powerful crushing mandibles that make short work of their prey.

This diet is crucial for the health and well-being of these mantids, as they need the protein and other nutrients found in these prey items.

Adult mantids will seek to consume prey every 5-7 days, however, the feeding frequency may vary depending on the size of the mantis.

Temperament

Japanese Boxer Mantis are typically shy and reclusive when it comes to being handled by humans and tend to hide or flee from contact.

They are also typically peaceful and non-aggressive toward other animals but can become defensive and territorial if provoked.

Although they are incredibly beautiful creatures, they should not be considered pets for regular handling – rather, it’s best to observe them from a distance.

If you wish to interact with Acromantis japonica, it is best to do so slowly and carefully to avoid stressing the animal.

As with other species of mantises, it is wise to wear protective gloves when handling these animals as their raptorial forelegs can cause injury.

Lifespan

Acromantis japonica has an average lifespan of up to 12 months, depending on its environment.

The lifecycle of the Japanese Boxer Mantis includes three stages: egg, nymph, and adult.

The egg stage is the development of the female mantis, where she will lay her eggs in an ootheca that contains several hundred eggs.

This ootheca is later protected by silk for protection from harsh weather conditions and predators.

The nymph stage is the development of the young mantids before they reach adulthood.

During this stage, the Japanese Mantis will molt several times over several weeks or months before reaching its adult form.

The senescent stage is the last stage of the Japanese Boxer Mantis’ life, in which it will become increasingly weaker and its health will deteriorate.

Breeding

The main steps of the mating process for Acromantis japonica are similar to those of other species of mantis.

A male will search for a female in his area and will make his presence known by vibrating the air with his wings.

If the female is interested, the two will engage in a ritual courtship dance as the male transfers his sperm into the female.

The mating process for this species can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on how confident the female feels.

Once mating is complete, the female will lay her eggs on plants or twigs.

The average clutch size for the Japanese Boxer Mantis is approximately 150 eggs.

Once the eggs have hatched, the young nymphs will molt several times as they grow until they reach adulthood.

It is important to provide a good environment for your Boxer Mantis so that they can breed and be productive.

A good environment should include a stable temperature and humidity, with plenty of food to give them all the nourishment they need.

A well-fed and healthy mantis will be most likely to mate successfully and produce a healthy generation of offspring.

Where To Find Japanese Boxer Mantis

Acromantis japonica is found in forests, marshes, shrubs, and meadows of western and east Japan and East Asia.

They can also be found in urban areas where these habitats exist.

These insect predators are most active at dawn and dusk when hunting prey.

To find Japanese Boxer Mantis for sale, they are usually available online from insect and reptile vendors.

Before purchasing or adopting any type of mantis, make sure to research the country of origin to make sure the country’s laws allow the purchase and possession of the species.

Additionally, always ensure the supplier adheres to ethical husbandry practices.