The Egyptian pygmy mantis, also known as Miomantis paykullii, is a small and hardy species of mantis that is a good choice for beginners. They are known for their ferocity, personality, and range of colors including green, pale yellow, and light blue. Native to African steppes and grasslands, these mantises can be kept as pets and are relatively easy to care for. 
 
Appearance and size 
Size: Adult males measure around 35-40 mm, while females are slightly larger and heavier.
Color: They can be straw-like, green, light green, or even pale yellow and light blue, often appearing almost transparent.
Shape: They have a slender, grass-stem-like appearance that helps them camouflage in their natural habitat. 
Behavior and temperament Aggressive but docile: Despite their small size, they are ferocious predators, but are not considered dangerous to humans and have a feisty personality, often described as "adorably bad-tempered".
Engaging: They are active hunters and can be very engaging, with a tendency to turn their heads to follow people.
Beginner-friendly: They are recommended for beginners, though the extremely tiny nymphs are not, so they are often sold as larger, more manageable nymphs. 
 
Habitat and care 
Habitat: In the wild, they live on shrubs, bushes, and grasses in dry areas across parts of Africa, including Egypt.
Enclosure: A tall container with twigs is recommended to allow them to moult successfully.
Temperature: The ideal temperature is between (18-30c).
Diet: They eat live food such as flies and roaches which should be less than half the size of the mantis.
Water: A fine water spray in the enclosure is needed to maintain humidity without making it wet.