The numbers
Enclosure
20 × 15 × 25 cm
Diet
Crickets, flies, roaches (≤1/3 body) · Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults 2–3×/wk
Temperature
22–30°C
Humidity
50–60%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Very common
Adult size
F 7–9 cm; M ~6–7 cm
Lifespan
F ~6–9 mo adult; total ~10–12 mo
Growth rate
Fast
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal ambush
Temperament
Bold, hardy, forgiving
Venom / defense
Harmless; grasp/pinch; eyespot threat
Price (THB)
฿150–350
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
22–30°C
Humidity
50–60%
Min. enclosure
20×15×25 cm (H ≥3× body); mesh top
Substrate
Tissue or coco fibre; light mist
Hides / decor / water
Perches for moulting; mist ~2×/wk
Diet
Staple food
Crickets, flies, roaches (≤1/3 body)
Feeding frequency
Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults 2–3×/wk
Supplements
None; gut-load feeders
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Very tolerant; docile
Communal
No — cannibalistic
Defense / stress signs
Deimatic display; usually calm
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ootheca ~100–300 eggs; hatch ~4–6 wk
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult, dehydration, overfeeding
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, dark abdomen, mould
Good to know
- Nearly identical care to S. lineola; both sold as African mantis
Others in this group
Giant Asian MantisHierodula membranaceaGhost MantisPhyllocrania paradoxaAfrican Lined MantisSphodromantis lineolaChinese MantisTenodera sinensisOrchid MantisHymenopus coronatusHarabiro / Giant Asian MantisHierodula patelliferaJewelled Flower MantisCreobroter gemmatusGiant Dead Leaf MantisDeroplatys desiccata