Giant Shield Mantis

Rhombodera basalis

MantisbeginnerHarmless

No venom, no sting

Mantises are harmless to humans. They have no venom or sting — the worst they can do is grip with their spined forelegs or deliver a startling but harmless nip.

About

A bulky green mantis with a distinctive broad, shield-like extension of the pronotum. Hardy and forgiving of temperature/humidity swings — a good beginner large mantis. Keep warm with 60-80% humidity (light daily mist) and a tall enclosure full of sticks and fake plants to climb and hide in. House individually; harmless to humans.

Taxonomy

FamilyMantidae

GenusRhombodera

Native regionSoutheast Asia (Malaysia)

TypeArboreal

Temperamentcalm, hardy

Size & growth

Adult size~4 inches

Length100.00–120.00 mm

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature72–86 °F

Humidity60–80%

Enclosure

Adult size≥3x body length tall, 2x wide; well-ventilated

Substratecoco fiber or paper towel; light misting for humidity/drinking

Substrate depth1-2 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeflies, crickets, roaches

Adult cadenceevery 2-3 days

Times kept: 0