- Sit and wait predator
- Less aggressive
- Inquisitive once out
- Hard to put back in
- Adorable
Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania Paradoxa)
These are a small to medium sized mantis and one of our favourite species. They have lots of character and love to be with you, sticking like velcro they are hard to put back in their enclosure.
They vary in colour from pale brown to almost black and even bright green as camouflage amongst leaves. The males are a similar size but much lighter in build and are excellent flyers.
They are a ‘sit and wait’ predator, so are typically less agressive towards each other.
However, ALL species of mantis can be cannibalistic, so it can occur with this species too.
Taking approximately 4-5 months to reach adulthood, females can typically live 2-8 months once adult and males 1-4 months.
Giant Dead Leaf Mantis (Deroplatys Desiccata)
These are a large mantis and another of our favourite species They have an adorable character and love to wander when you get them out compared to being almost motionless in their enclosure.
Their colour and comouflage range from shades of brown to almost black to hide amongst dead leaves and foliage. The males are a similar size but much lighter in build and are excellent flyers.
They are predominantly a ‘sit and wait’ predator and are more defensive than aggressive towards each other but still extremely well equipped to defend themselves.
Taking approximately 5-6 months to reach adulthood, females can typically live 9-12+ months once adult and males 4-8 months.
Wandering Violin Mantis (Gongylus Gongylodes)
These are a large mantis with a very repetitive swaying wobble that makes one wonder how this would camouflage them.
Their colour and camouflage is various shades of brown and green, with the males a very similar size and colouration.
They are less aggressive towards each other than some species but still capable of cannibalism.
Taking approximately 4-5 months to reach adulthood, females can typically live 3-6 months once adult and males 2-5 months.
Cone Head Mantis (Phyllothelys Breve)
These are a small slender mantis with amazing arm movements and extremely short legs which can make them look quite comical.
They are various shades of brown with males and females very similar in colouration and size.
They will ‘sit and wait’ or hunt, often swaying whilst eating to disguise themselves.
Taking approximately 3-4 months to reach adulthood, females can typically live 3-6 months once adult and males 2-5 months.