The numbers
Enclosure
30 × 20 × 30 cm
Diet
Flies, crickets, roaches, moths (loves flying prey) · Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–4 days
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
70–80%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Intermediate
Commonality
Common
Adult size
F 8–9 cm; M ~6–7 cm
Lifespan
F ~7–9 mo adult; total ~11–14 mo
Growth rate
Medium
Activity & niche
Nocturnal-leaning · Arboreal leaf-litter mimic ambush
Temperament
Shy, calm; death-feigns
Venom / defense
Harmless; grasp/pinch; deimatic wing flash when cornered
Price (THB)
฿300–650
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
70–80%
Min. enclosure
30×20×30 cm (H ≥3× body); mesh top
Substrate
Coco fibre; keep humid
Hides / decor / water
Bark, dead leaves & twigs; mist daily for droplets
Diet
Staple food
Flies, crickets, roaches, moths (loves flying prey)
Feeding frequency
Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–4 days
Supplements
None; gut-load feeders
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Docile but skittish; may play dead; avoid pre-moult
Communal
No — cannibalistic
Defense / stress signs
Thanatosis (plays dead) or startle wing-flash; flees large prey
Reproduction
Reproduction
Large ridged ootheca ~50–100 eggs; hatch ~5–8 wk
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult (needs high RH), dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, dark abdomen, mould in humid tub
Good to know
- Mimics a crumpled dead leaf so precisely it is near-invisible in litter
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