The numbers
Enclosure
10 × 10 × 15 cm
Diet
Fruit flies (Drosophila) mostly; springtails for tiny nymphs · Every 1–2 days
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
60–70%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Fairly common
Adult size
F ~2–2.5 cm; M ~1.8–2 cm (tiny)
Lifespan
F ~5–7 mo adult; total ~8–10 mo
Growth rate
Fast (small)
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal/ground ant-mimic ambush
Temperament
Active, bold for its size
Venom / defense
Harmless; too small to pinch; ant mimicry
Price (THB)
฿200–450
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
60–70%
Min. enclosure
10×10×15 cm; fine mesh top (fruit-fly proof)
Substrate
Coco fibre; mist for humidity
Hides / decor / water
Small twigs/silk plants; mist droplets
Diet
Staple food
Fruit flies (Drosophila) mostly; springtails for tiny nymphs
Feeding frequency
Every 1–2 days
Supplements
None; gut-load flies
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Too small/fast to handle meaningfully
Communal
Semi — young ant-mimics tolerate groups; adults less so
Defense / stress signs
Runs like an ant; freezes
Reproduction
Reproduction
Small ootheca ~20–40 eggs; 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
- Black nymphs mimic ants so closely they walk among them unharmed
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