The numbers
Enclosure
30 × 20 × 30 cm
Diet
Flies, house/field crickets, roach nymphs (prey ≤1/3 body) · Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–4 days
Temperature
25–30°C
Humidity
50–60%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Very common
Adult size
F 8–10 cm; M ~7–8 cm
Lifespan
F ~6–9 mo adult; total ~10–14 mo
Growth rate
Fast (~7 moults, ~5–6 mo to adult)
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal ambush
Temperament
Bold, voracious; can be defensive
Venom / defense
Harmless to humans; may grasp/pinch with spined forelegs
Price (THB)
฿100–300
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
25–30°C
Humidity
50–60%
Min. enclosure
30×20×30 cm (H ≥3× body); mesh/gauze top to hang-moult
Substrate
Coco fibre or tissue; light daily mist
Hides / decor / water
Branches/twigs to perch & moult; mist droplets to drink
Diet
Staple food
Flies, house/field crickets, roach nymphs (prey ≤1/3 body)
Feeding frequency
Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–4 days
Supplements
None; gut-load feeders (veg/fish flake)
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Tolerant; will walk onto hand; avoid when pre-moult (hanging)
Communal
No — cannibalistic; house singly
Defense / stress signs
Deimatic rear-up, forelegs/wings spread; flighty if hungry
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ootheca ~150–250 eggs; hatch 4–6 wk at 26–28°C
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult (low RH/space), dehydration, overfeeding shortens life
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, black-tipped abdomen, regurgitation, tub mould
Good to know
- Among the largest commonly kept mantids; can seize prey near its own size
Others in this group
Ghost MantisPhyllocrania paradoxaAfrican Lined MantisSphodromantis lineolaChinese MantisTenodera sinensisOrchid MantisHymenopus coronatusHarabiro / Giant Asian MantisHierodula patelliferaGiant African MantisSphodromantis viridisJewelled Flower MantisCreobroter gemmatusGiant Dead Leaf MantisDeroplatys desiccata