Giant Asian Mantis (Hierodula membranacea)

Size

8–10 cm (3.1–3.9 in); females bulky.

Moisture

Lightly mist 3–4× per week; let surfaces dry between sprays. Never leave standing water.

60–70% Humidity

Maintain 60–70% relative humidity with reliable cross‑ventilation. Mist lightly and allow surfaces to dry between sprays.

Temperature

Provide a gentle day/night gradient. Warm the room or one enclosure side; avoid direct heat on the mantis.

24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

Nighttime drop of ~2–4 °C (3–7 °F) is acceptable and may extend lifespan slightly.

Sexing

From ~i4 via abdominal sternites: females show 6 visible segments; males show 8. Adults: males are slimmer with proportionally longer wings; females are broader with rounder abdomens.

Lifespan

Total lifespan typically 10–14 months depending on sex, feeding rate, and temperature. Post‑adult: females ~6–8 months; males ~3–5 months.

Instars

Males usually mature in fewer molts (often i8); females often one instar more.

Feeding

i1–i3: Fruit flies (D. melanogaster / D. hydei), tiny crickets/roaches, newly eclosed flies.

i4–i6: House/green/blue bottle flies, small roaches, small hoppers or crickets.

i7–adult: Blue/green bottle flies, larger flies, small–medium roaches, small grasshoppers/locusts or crickets. Feed every 2–3 days.

Tip: Prey length ≲ head-to-pronotum length. Remove uneaten prey within 24h.

Enclosure

i1–i3: 5.5 oz deli with fine mesh lid or side vents.

i4–i5: 16 oz deli / small terrarium with cross‑ventilation.

i6–i8: 32 oz deli / medium terrarium (≥10–12″ tall).

Subadult–Adult: 12–16″ tall enclosure minimum; multiple vertical & angled perches; substrate: paper towel, coco fiber, or moss (spot clean).

Other Info

Strong climber; ensure multiple vertical perches.