Dead leaf mantis (Deroplatys lobata)

Short answers

Dead leaf mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?

20×20×30 cm.

Dead leaf mantis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.

Dead leaf mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Dead leaf mantis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–14 months.

Dead leaf mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–29 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

70–80 %

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

20×20×30 cm

Substrate

Coco humus, leaf litter, climbing twigs

Feeding

Food

Flies, house crickets, roaches

Feeding interval

every 2–3 days

Key facts

Adult size

6–8 cm

Life expectancy

8–14 months

Origin

South-East Asia

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keeping singly is mandatory: the species is solitary and cannibalistic, two animals in one enclosure regularly end up as one. This applies even to equally sized animals and even when both are well fed. For mating the male is introduced under observation; afterwards it can reportedly remain on the female's back for up to two days before it should be separated.

Notes

A perfect imitation of a withered leaf. It needs higher humidity than Hierodula; kept too dry, the moult fails.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Dead leaf mantis (Deroplatys desiccata) – Intermediate
• Spiny flower mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii) – Beginner to intermediate
• African giant mantis (Sphodromantis lineola) – Beginner
• African giant mantis (Sphodromantis viridis) – Beginner
• Egyptian dwarf mantis (Miomantis paykullii) – Beginner
• Asian ant mantis (Odontomantis planiceps) – Beginner
• Giant Asian mantis (Hierodula patellifera) – Beginner
• Banded flower mantis (Theopropus elegans) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Dead leaf mantis (Deroplatys lobata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×30 cm), substrate (Coco humus, leaf litter, climbing twigs), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.