Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis

Deroplatys truncata

MantisintermediateHarmless

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 smaller dead-leaf mantis with the genus's broad, leaf-shaped shield behind the head. Keep warm (77-86°F, cooler at night to lengthen its life) and fairly humid (around 75%) with daily misting — the shielded thorax can make molting tricky if it gets too dry — in a tall, well-ventilated enclosure (about 30x30x30 cm) with sturdy branches. A patient ambush hunter that prefers flying prey and will flash a startle display when disturbed. House individually; harmless to humans.

Taxonomy

FamilyMantidae

GenusDeroplatys

Native regionSoutheast Asia

TypeArboreal

Temperamentsedentary, cryptic dead-leaf mimic; startle display

Size & growth

Adult sizefemale 2.5-2.75 in, male ~1.75 in

Length45.00–70.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature68–86 °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