The numbers
Enclosure
30 × 20 × 35 cm
Diet
Crickets, flies, roaches, moths (≤1/3 body) · Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–5 days
Temperature
22–30°C
Humidity
50–60%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Common
Adult size
F 8–10 cm; M ~7–8 cm
Lifespan
F ~6–9 mo adult; total ~10–12 mo
Growth rate
Fast
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal ambush
Temperament
Hardy, active
Venom / defense
Harmless; may grasp/pinch
Price (THB)
฿100–250
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
22–30°C
Humidity
50–60%
Min. enclosure
30×20×35 cm (H ≥3× body); mesh top
Substrate
Tissue or coco fibre; light mist
Hides / decor / water
Tall perches for moulting; mist droplets
Diet
Staple food
Crickets, flies, roaches, moths (≤1/3 body)
Feeding frequency
Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 3–5 days
Supplements
None; gut-load feeders
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Docile; avoid pre-moult
Communal
No — cannibalistic
Defense / stress signs
Threat display; strikes hard
Reproduction
Reproduction
Large ootheca; overwinters as eggs in wild
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, dark abdomen, mould
Good to know
- Closely allied to the Chinese mantis; wild across Thai lowlands
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