The numbers
Enclosure
20 × 15 × 25 cm
Diet
Flies, crickets, small roaches (≤1/3 body) · Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–4 days
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
50–60%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Very common
Adult size
F 6–7 cm; M ~5–6 cm
Lifespan
F ~6–8 mo adult; total ~9–12 mo
Growth rate
Fast (~6–7 moults)
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal ambush
Temperament
Bold, hardy, forgiving
Venom / defense
Harmless; may grasp/pinch
Price (THB)
฿100–250
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
50–60%
Min. enclosure
20×15×25 cm (H ≥3× body); mesh top
Substrate
Coco fibre or tissue; light mist
Hides / decor / water
Twigs/silk plants for perching & moulting; mist to drink
Diet
Staple food
Flies, crickets, small roaches (≤1/3 body)
Feeding frequency
Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–4 days
Supplements
None; gut-load feeders
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Easy, calm; avoid pre-moult
Communal
No — cannibalistic; house singly
Defense / stress signs
Threat display; runs if startled
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ootheca ~100–200 eggs; hatch ~4–6 wk
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult, dehydration, overfeeding
Red flags / quarantine
SignsSluggishness, dark abdomen tip, mites
Good to know
- Has spread as an introduced species in parts of Europe and the US
Others in this group
Giant Asian MantisHierodula membranaceaGhost MantisPhyllocrania paradoxaAfrican Lined MantisSphodromantis lineolaChinese MantisTenodera sinensisOrchid MantisHymenopus coronatusGiant African MantisSphodromantis viridisJewelled Flower MantisCreobroter gemmatusGiant Dead Leaf MantisDeroplatys desiccata