The numbers
Enclosure
10 × 10 × 15 cm
Diet
Fruit flies then small house flies · Every 1–2 days
Temperature
25–30°C
Humidity
60–70%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Intermediate
Commonality
Uncommon
Adult size
F ~3 cm; M ~2.5 cm (tiny)
Lifespan
F ~5–7 mo adult; total ~8–10 mo
Growth rate
Fast (small)
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal flower ambush
Temperament
Bold display for its size; boxer posture
Venom / defense
Harmless; too small to pinch; eyespot wing-flash
Price (THB)
฿400–900
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
25–30°C
Humidity
60–70%
Min. enclosure
10×10×15 cm; fine mesh (fruit-fly proof)
Substrate
Coco fibre; mist for humidity
Hides / decor / water
Small silk flowers/twigs; mist droplets
Diet
Staple food
Fruit flies then small house flies
Feeding frequency
Every 1–2 days
Supplements
None; gut-load flies
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Too small to handle; observe only
Communal
No — cannibalistic despite small size
Defense / stress signs
Raises forelegs in boxing display; flashes wing spots
Reproduction
Reproduction
Small ootheca; hatch ~4–5 wk
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult, dehydration, escape (tiny)
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, mould, won't take fruit flies
Good to know
- Threat display of raised arms earns it the nickname boxer mantis
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