The numbers
Enclosure
30 × 20 × 30 cm
Diet
Flies, crickets, roaches; adults take large prey (≤1/3 body) · Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–4 days
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
60–70%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Common
Adult size
F 7–9 cm; M ~6–7 cm
Lifespan
F ~8–10 mo adult; total ~12–15 mo
Growth rate
Medium–fast
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal ambush
Temperament
Docile, hardy, big appetite
Venom / defense
Harmless; may grasp/pinch
Price (THB)
฿150–400
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
60–70%
Min. enclosure
30×20×30 cm (H ≥3× body); mesh top
Substrate
Coco fibre; mist for humidity
Hides / decor / water
Leafy perches for moulting; daily mist droplets
Diet
Staple food
Flies, crickets, roaches; adults take large prey (≤1/3 body)
Feeding frequency
Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–4 days
Supplements
None; gut-load feeders
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Docile; walks onto hand; avoid pre-moult
Communal
No — will cannibalise
Defense / stress signs
Threat display; usually calm
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ootheca ~100–200 eggs; hatch ~4–6 wk
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult (needs humidity), dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, dark abdomen, mould
Good to know
- Expanded leaf-like shield (pronotum) gives it its name; native to Thai forests
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