The numbers
Enclosure
12 × 12 × 18 cm
Diet
Fruit flies then house flies, small crickets · Every 1–2 days (fast metabolism)
Temperature
24–32°C
Humidity
50–60%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Common
Adult size
F ~3.5–4.5 cm; M ~3 cm
Lifespan
F ~5–7 mo adult; total ~8–10 mo
Growth rate
Very fast (short-lived, prolific)
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal fast ambush
Temperament
Quick, active, hardy
Venom / defense
Harmless; too small to pinch
Price (THB)
฿150–350
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–32°C
Humidity
50–60%
Min. enclosure
12×12×18 cm; fine mesh top
Substrate
Coco fibre or tissue; light mist
Hides / decor / water
Twigs/silk plants for moulting; mist to drink
Diet
Staple food
Fruit flies then house flies, small crickets
Feeding frequency
Every 1–2 days (fast metabolism)
Supplements
None; gut-load flies
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Fast; handleable but flighty
Communal
Semi — sometimes reared in groups if very well fed
Defense / stress signs
Bolts quickly; brief threat display
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ootheca ~30–80 eggs; hatch ~3–5 wk; very prolific
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult, dehydration; short-lived
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, mould, won't take flies
Good to know
- So fast-breeding it is a favourite starter mantis for producing feeders
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