The numbers
Enclosure
20 × 15 × 25 cm
Diet
Crickets, flies, roaches (≤1/3 body) · Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–4 days
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
50–65%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Common
Adult size
F ~6–7 cm; M ~5 cm
Lifespan
F ~6–8 mo adult; total ~10–12 mo
Growth rate
Fast
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal aggressive ambush
Temperament
Bold, feisty, voracious
Venom / defense
Harmless; grasp/pinch; strong deimatic display
Price (THB)
฿250–500
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
50–65%
Min. enclosure
20×15×25 cm (H ≥3× body); mesh top
Substrate
Coco fibre; light mist
Hides / decor / water
Perches for moulting; mist to drink
Diet
Staple food
Crickets, flies, 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
Feisty; may display/strike; handle carefully
Communal
No — very cannibalistic
Defense / stress signs
Bold rear-up display; strikes readily
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ootheca ~40–100 eggs; hatch ~4–6 wk
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult, dehydration, overfeeding
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, dark abdomen, mould
Good to know
- Females keep short bud-like wings and cannot fly, unlike winged males
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