Ghost mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa)

Short answers

Ghost mantis: How big does the enclosure need to be?

15×15×20 cm (a single animal); approx. 30×30×30 cm for 4–5 animals.

Ghost mantis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–28 °C, at night 18–20 °C.

Ghost mantis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Ghost mantis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8–12 months (females longer).

Ghost mantis: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–28 °C

Night temperature

18–20 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

50–60 % (~50 % by day, ~60 % at night)

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

15×15×20 cm (a single animal); approx. 30×30×30 cm for 4–5 animals

Substrate

Coco humus; plenty of climbing branches and artificial plants

Feeding

Food

Fruit flies (juveniles), flies, small crickets (adults)

Feeding interval

adults approx. 2×/week, juveniles more often

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 4.5–5 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 8–12 months (females longer)

Origin

Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar

Protection status

No known CITES or German protection; freely tradable

Brumation

None (tropical)

Cohabitation

Group housing is possible in this species if plenty of food and space are provided – the ghost mantis is one of the few mantis species tolerant of group living. Reliable up to about the third or fourth nymphal stage, after which cannibalism risk rises, especially among adult females. With limited food, keeping them singly is the safer option.

Notes

A robust, excellent beginner's species. Perfect leaf and camouflage mimicry. Mist only briefly every 2 days or so and always ventilate well, otherwise mould and shedding problems follow. Always feed adult females well.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• 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
• Boxer mantis (Ephestiasula pictipes) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Ghost mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (15×15×20 cm (a single animal); approx. 30×30×30 cm for 4–5 animals), substrate (Coco humus; plenty of climbing branches and artificial plants), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.