The numbers
Enclosure
15 × 15 × 22 cm
Diet
Flies, small crickets, moths · Every 2–3 days
Temperature
24–29°C
Humidity
65–80%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Intermediate
Commonality
Uncommon
Adult size
F ~4 cm; M ~3.5 cm (slimmer, winged)
Lifespan
F ~6–8 mo adult; total ~9–11 mo
Growth rate
Medium
Activity & niche
Nocturnal · Arboreal dead-leaf mimic ambush
Temperament
Shy by day; active by night
Venom / defense
Harmless; grasp/pinch; deimatic display of coloured arms
Price (THB)
฿400–900
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–29°C
Humidity
65–80%
Min. enclosure
15×15×22 cm (H ≥3× body); mesh top
Substrate
Coco fibre; keep humid
Hides / decor / water
Dead leaves & twigs; mist daily to drink
Diet
Staple food
Flies, small crickets, moths
Feeding frequency
Every 2–3 days
Supplements
None; gut-load feeders
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Shy; handleable but skittish; avoid pre-moult
Communal
No — cannibalistic
Defense / stress signs
Curls into dead-leaf pose; deimatic display if cornered
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ootheca; females call males with pheromone at night
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult (needs RH), dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, dark abdomen, mould
Good to know
- Females release pheromone in a dusk calling posture to attract flying males
Others in this group
Giant Asian MantisHierodula membranaceaGhost MantisPhyllocrania paradoxaAfrican Lined MantisSphodromantis lineolaChinese MantisTenodera sinensisOrchid MantisHymenopus coronatusHarabiro / Giant Asian MantisHierodula patelliferaGiant African MantisSphodromantis viridisJewelled Flower MantisCreobroter gemmatus