The numbers
Enclosure
15 × 15 × 22 cm
Diet
Flies, crickets, small roaches · Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–4 days
Temperature
22–30°C
Humidity
50–60%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Common (wild across Thailand)
Adult size
F ~5–6 cm; M ~4.5 cm (slender brown)
Lifespan
F ~5–8 mo adult; total ~9–11 mo
Growth rate
Fast
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal ambush
Temperament
Alert, quick, hardy
Venom / defense
Harmless; grasp/pinch
Price (THB)
฿100–300
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
22–30°C
Humidity
50–60%
Min. enclosure
15×15×22 cm (H ≥3× body); mesh top
Substrate
Coco fibre or tissue; light mist
Hides / decor / water
Twigs for perching/moulting; mist to drink
Diet
Staple food
Flies, crickets, small roaches
Feeding frequency
Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–4 days
Supplements
None; gut-load feeders
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Alert but handleable; avoid pre-moult
Communal
No — cannibalistic
Defense / stress signs
Quick to flee; threat display if cornered
Reproduction
Reproduction
Small ootheca; hatch ~4–6 wk
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, dark abdomen, mould
Good to know
- One of the most common wild mantids around Thai gardens and lights
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