The numbers
Enclosure
15 × 15 × 22 cm
Diet
Fruit flies then house flies, small crickets · Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 2–3 days
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
60–70%
Identity
Order / Family
Mantodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner–Intermediate
Commonality
Fairly common
Adult size
F ~5 cm; M ~3 cm (marked dimorphism)
Lifespan
F ~6–9 mo adult; total ~9–11 mo
Growth rate
Fast
Activity & niche
Diurnal · Arboreal flower ambush
Temperament
Calm, hardy; takes flies
Venom / defense
Harmless; grasp/pinch; orange hindwing flash
Price (THB)
฿300–650
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
60–70%
Min. enclosure
15×15×22 cm mesh (H ≥3× body)
Substrate
Coco fibre; mist for humidity
Hides / decor / water
Silk flowers & twigs for moulting; mist droplets
Diet
Staple food
Fruit flies then house flies, small crickets
Feeding frequency
Nymphs every 1–2 days; adults every 2–3 days
Supplements
None; gut-load feeders
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Calm; handle gently; avoid pre-moult
Communal
No — cannibalistic
Defense / stress signs
Flashes orange hindwings; ant-mimic when tiny
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ootheca ~40–70 eggs; hatch ~4–6 wk
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLethargy, dark abdomen, mould
Good to know
- Hatchlings mimic black ants until their 2nd moult, then turn green & white
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