The numbers
Enclosure
15 × 15 × 20 cm
Diet
Fruit flies then house flies, small crickets · Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 2–3 days
Temperature
25–30°C (night ≥18°C)
Humidity
50–65% with airflow
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
Origin
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner–Intermediate
Commonality
Common
Adult size
F ~4 cm; M ~3.5 cm
Lifespan
F ~6–9 mo adult; total ~9–11 mo
Growth rate
Fast
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal flower ambush
Temperament
Calm; takes flies readily
Venom / defense
Harmless; grasp/pinch; spiral eyespot wing-flash
Price (THB)
฿300–650
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
25–30°C (night ≥18°C)
Humidity
50–65% with airflow
Min. enclosure
15×15×20 cm mesh (H ≥3× body)
Substrate
Coco fibre; mist ~3×/wk
Hides / decor / water
Silk flowers & twigs for moulting; mist droplets
Diet
Staple food
Fruit flies then house flies, small crickets
Feeding frequency
Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 2–3 days
Supplements
None; gut-load feeders
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Calm; small so gentle; avoid pre-moult
Communal
No — highly cannibalistic; separate at hatch
Defense / stress signs
Flashes 6-shaped spiral eyespots on wings
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ootheca ~30–50 eggs; hatch ~4–5 wk
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult, mould if stagnant, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, dark abdomen, mould
Good to know
- Twin spiral wing eyespots make a striking startle display
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