The numbers
Enclosure
40 × 40 × 60 cm
Diet
Flying prey only — blue/green bottle flies, moths · Every 2–3 days; strict flying-prey ambush
Temperature
30–40°C by day (hot); cooler at night
Humidity
40–60% with strong airflow
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Advanced
Commonality
Uncommon (prized)
Adult size
F ~13 cm; M ~10 cm (one of the largest)
Lifespan
F ~8–10 mo adult; total ~13–16 mo
Growth rate
Slow (long nymph stage, needs heat)
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal flower-mimic ambush (hot, airy)
Temperament
Docile but demanding; flying-prey specialist
Venom / defense
Harmless; grasp/pinch; spectacular deimatic threat display
Price (THB)
฿1,500–4,000
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
30–40°C by day (hot); cooler at night
Humidity
40–60% with strong airflow
Min. enclosure
Mesh/screen 40×40×60 cm; cannot climb glass
Substrate
Dry coco/sand; mist plants only
Hides / decor / water
Many sturdy twigs; mist 1–2×/day to drink
Diet
Staple food
Flying prey only — blue/green bottle flies, moths
Feeding frequency
Every 2–3 days; strict flying-prey ambush
Supplements
None; gut-load flies
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Docile; handleable but fragile husbandry; avoid pre-moult
Communal
Yes (with caution) — can group with Idolomantis/Gongylus
Defense / stress signs
Rears into huge striped display; refuses non-flying prey
Reproduction
Reproduction
Large ootheca; hatch ~6–9 wk; slow nymphs
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult, mould from stagnant air, chilling stalls growth
Red flags / quarantine
SignsWon't take flies, lethargy, dark patches, mould
Good to know
- Its threat display — the King of mantids — is among the most dramatic in insects
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