Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania Paradoxa)
These are a small to medium sized mantis and one of our favourite species, with lots of character they 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 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, with lots of character and love to wander when you get them out compared to being almost motionless in their enclosure.
Their colour and comouflage is various 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 more defensive than agressive towards each other but still extremely well equipt 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.
Wanderinng Violin Mantis (Gongylus Gongylodes)
These are a large mantis with a very repetative swaying wobble that makes one wonder how this would camouflage them.
Their colour and comouflage is various shades of brown and green, with the males a very similar size and colouration.
They are less agressive 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 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.
Devils Flower Mantis (Idolomantis Diabolica)
These are a very large and stunning species with amazing markings particularly in the defensive display. Males and females are a similar size and can be easily startled even by their own prey.
They will sit and wait for prey to pass and grab it with lightening speed.
They can be a tricky species to raise to adulthood so getting temps, ventilation, humidity and food right are crucial.
Taking approximately 5-7 months to reach adulthood, females can typically live 3-7 months once adult and males 2-5 months.
Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus Coronatus)
These are a stunning species, the females in particular have lots of character and attitude, with quite a size difference in the adult males and females.
They mimic flowers and will actively hunt prey.
Taking approximately 3-6 months to reach adulthood, females can typically live 2-12+ months once adult and males 1-6 months.
Chinese Flower Mantis (Creobroter Nebulosa)
These are a small species but very feisty and active hunters. The females are quite agressive with a very hearty appetite.
They have colourful wings which the males will flutter when trying to impress the females.
Taking approximately 2-4 months to reach adulthood, females can typically live 3-5 months once adult and males 1-3 months.
Jewelled Flower Mantis (Creobroter Gemmatus)
These are a small species very similar to the Chinese Flower mantis, only slightly less feisty but still active hunters and the females are still quite agressive.
They also have stunning, colourful wings and the males are slightly more confident approaching the females than the Chinese Flower species.
Taking approximately 2-4 months to reach adulthood, females can typically live 3-5 months once adult and males 1-3 months.
Spiny Flower Mantis (Pseudocreobotra Wahlbergii)
These are a small species similar to the other Flower mantis, but look far more ‘spikey’. They are active hunters with an amazing “wiggle” & Kung Fu display to deter larger predators.
This species is very sensitive to humidity and the bacteria it can harbour, so needs a much drier environment.
Taking approximately 2-4 months to reach adulthood, females can typically live 3-5 months once adult and males 1-3 months.
Egyptian Pygmy Mantis (Myomantis Paykullii)
These are a small species, and excellent for beginners. They are very hardy and feisty and will not hesitate to cannibalise even from the 1st instar.
They vary in colour from pale beige to bright green. Males and females are of similar size but males are of a much lighter build.
Taking approximately 2-4 months to reach adulthood, females can typically live 1-5 months once adult and males 1-3 months.
Giant Rainforest Mantis (Hierodula Majuscula)
These are a large species and extremely active hunters and experts at stealth.
Taking approximately 3-5 months to reach adulthood, females can typically live 2-6 months once adult and males 1-4 months.
Giant Chinese Mantis (Tenodera Sinensis)
These are a large species and extremely active and agressive hunters.
Taking approximately 3-5 months to reach adulthood, females can typically live 2-6 months once adult and males 1-4 months.