The numbers
Enclosure
15 × 15 × 22 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
Common (US hobby)
Adult size
F ~5–6 cm; M ~4.5–5 cm
Lifespan
F ~5–8 mo adult; total ~9–11 mo
Growth rate
Fast
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal ambush
Temperament
Hardy, forgiving
Venom / defense
Harmless; grasp/pinch
Price (THB)
฿250–500
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
22–30°C
Humidity
50–60%
Min. enclosure
15×15×22 cm (H ≥3× body); mesh top
Substrate
Tissue or coco fibre; light mist
Hides / decor / water
Perches for moulting; mist to drink
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
Docile; good beginner mantis
Communal
No — cannibalistic
Defense / stress signs
Threat display; usually calm
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ootheca ~50–150 eggs; overwinters
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, dark abdomen, mould
Good to know
- Native N American mantis used in gardens for natural pest control
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