Giant Rainforest Mantis

Hierodula majuscula

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 big, robust green Australian mantis — one of the largest kept and very hardy, making it a great larger-mantis starter. Comfortable at room warmth (75-86°F) with 70-80% humidity from misting every other day, in a tall enclosure with branches and foliage to climb. Bold feeder that takes large flying and crawling prey. House individually; harmless to humans.

Taxonomy

FamilyMantidae

GenusHierodula

Native regionAustralia (Queensland rainforest)

TypeArboreal

Temperamentbold, hardy

Size & growth

Adult size3-5 inches

Length80.00–110.00 mm

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature75–86 °F

Humidity70–80%

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