Giant Asian Mantis - Hierodula sp.

Giant Mantis (Hierodula sp.) – The active, large beginner species!

Do you want to start keeping praying mantises and are you looking for a robust, fierce hunter? The Giant Mantis (Hierodula sp.) is one of the largest mantis species successfully kept in captivity. Because they are not very picky and are easy to care for at room temperature, this is rightfully the most popular 'Giant Mantis' among enthusiasts.

Impressive appearance and color change

Hierodula mantises are known for their powerful build. They are usually bright light green in color, but beige, yellow, and brown variants also occur (which sometimes develop a pink hue in adulthood). What's special is that they can subtly adapt their color to the shades of their environment within a few days! Adult females become significantly larger and wider than males, who in turn are slimmer with slightly longer wings.

Fierce, active hunter

Unlike species that sit still for hours waiting, the Hierodula is a truly active hunter. As soon as it spots prey on the bottom of the terrarium, it turns its head with large eyes towards the insect and resolutely gives chase. A cricket or fly is snatched with lightning-fast raptorial arms in no time!

Care and Environmental Requirements

The Giant Mantis has few demands on its environment. A temperature of around 24 °C is ideal, but normal room temperature (at least 18 °C at night) is perfectly sufficient. The desired humidity is between 40% and 65%. Mist lightly every day or every other day with a plant sprayer to provide drinking water. Note: do not keep the enclosure continuously too wet, as excessive humidity is the number 1 cause of death.

Suitable Housing and Feeding

Because this is a large species, a terrarium of at least **20 x 20 x 35 cm** (L x W x H) is recommended for an adult specimen (at least 3x the length of the animal in height). Furnish the enclosure with many branches and artificial plants on which the mantis can hang upside down for a safe molt. Adult animals easily eat large crickets, cockroaches, and subadult locusts.

Key advantages at a glance:

• Impressive Size: One of the largest robust species in the hobby.
• The Perfect Beginner Species: Very strong, forgiving, and easy to care for.
• Active Hunting Behavior: Fiercely and dynamically hunts prey.
• Changeable Colors: Subtly adapts its shades to the environment.
• Delivered in L3-L6 Stage: Nice size to experience its growth up close.

Product specifications:

• Species: Hierodula sp. (Giant Mantis)
• Size upon delivery: Stage L3 to L6
• Ideal temperature: Approx. 24 °C (room temperature, min. 18 °C at night)
• Humidity: 40% - 65% (mist lightly every other day)
• Food: Crickets, flies, cockroaches, small locusts
• Housing: Keep individually (due to hunting instinct and risk of cannibalism)

Experience the magic of this large active hunter. Order the Giant Mantis (Hierodula sp.) today!