The numbers
Enclosure
15 × 15 × 20 cm
Diet
Prefers flies; also small crickets, fruit flies · Every 2–3 days; do not overfeed
Temperature
20–30°C (ideal ~26°C)
Humidity
60–70%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
Origin
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Very common
Adult size
F ~5 cm; M ~4.5 cm
Lifespan
F ~6–8 mo adult; total ~10–12 mo
Growth rate
Slow–medium (fewer feedings)
Activity & niche
Nocturnal-leaning · Arboreal leaf/twig mimic ambush
Temperament
Very calm, shy; one of the easiest
Venom / defense
Harmless; grasp/pinch; relies on cryptic camouflage
Price (THB)
฿300–600
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
20–30°C (ideal ~26°C)
Humidity
60–70%
Min. enclosure
15×15×20 cm indiv.; larger if grouped (H ≥3× body)
Substrate
Coco fibre; mist for humidity
Hides / decor / water
Twigs & dry leaves for perching/moulting; mist daily
Diet
Staple food
Prefers flies; also small crickets, fruit flies
Feeding frequency
Every 2–3 days; do not overfeed
Supplements
None; gut-load feeders
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Very docile; easy to handle
Communal
Yes (rare exception) — tolerant if well fed & spacious
Defense / stress signs
Sways like a leaf; plays dead; rarely aggressive
Reproduction
Reproduction
Small ootheca ~20–40 eggs; hatch ~4–6 wk
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult if too dry, overfeeding
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, dark abdomen, mould
Good to know
- One of very few mantids that can be raised communally with low cannibalism
Others in this group
Giant Asian MantisHierodula membranaceaAfrican Lined MantisSphodromantis lineolaChinese MantisTenodera sinensisOrchid MantisHymenopus coronatusHarabiro / Giant Asian MantisHierodula patelliferaGiant African MantisSphodromantis viridisJewelled Flower MantisCreobroter gemmatusGiant Dead Leaf MantisDeroplatys desiccata