Asian Giant Mantis
Hierodula membranacea or the Giant Asian Mantis is one of the most common mantids to keep as they are fairly easy to rear and grow to large sizes. They are mostly green in color, but can come in shades of cream and beiges. Females reach 3.5-4.5 inches long while males are smaller, around 3 inches.
This species is found throughout south to easter Asian. Though tolerant to changes in environment they prefer more warm moderately humid conditions
Feeding
Flying insects are the preferred source of food. As nymphs fruit flies are the ideal food source and increase to house flies and blue/green bottle flies as they get larger. They also will enjoy moths or other harmless flying insects. It’s recommended that the size of the feeder insect does not exceed 1/2 the mantis length.
Adults can eat crickets or roaches however they don’t often climb up high enough to where the mantis is hiding and go uneaten. Most pet stores sell fruit flies and wax worms that can be grown into moths. Larger flies can found easily from online suppliers or sometimes from bait shops.
