The numbers
Enclosure
20 × 15 × 30 cm
Diet
Flies, crickets, roaches, moths · Every 2–3 days
Temperature
24–29°C
Humidity
50–60%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner–Intermediate
Commonality
Fairly common
Adult size
F ~7–8 cm; M ~6 cm (very slender)
Lifespan
F ~6–8 mo adult; total ~10–12 mo
Growth rate
Medium
Activity & niche
Nocturnal-leaning · Arboreal twig mimic ambush
Temperament
Calm, slow; twig-mimic
Venom / defense
Harmless; grasp/pinch; deimatic display of orange forelegs
Price (THB)
฿300–600
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–29°C
Humidity
50–60%
Min. enclosure
20×15×30 cm (H ≥3× body); mesh top
Substrate
Coco fibre; light mist
Hides / decor / water
Vertical twigs for perching/moulting; mist to drink
Diet
Staple food
Flies, crickets, roaches, moths
Feeding frequency
Every 2–3 days
Supplements
None; gut-load feeders
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Docile and slow; handleable; avoid pre-moult
Communal
No — cannibalistic
Defense / stress signs
Sways like a twig; deimatic display if cornered
Reproduction
Reproduction
Slender ootheca; hatch ~5–7 wk
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult (needs height), dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, dark abdomen, mould
Good to know
- So twig-like it sways gently as if in a breeze to complete the illusion
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