SPECIES CARE GUIDE
Ghost Mantis
Phyllocrania paradoxa
ENVIRONMENT
Core care conditions
Use these ranges as a starting point and adjust for life stage, enclosure ventilation and observed behaviour.
HUSBANDRY OVERVIEW
At a glance
- Taxonomic group
- Insecta
- Origin
- Africa / Madagascar
- Lifestyle
- Leaf-mimic arboreal mantis
- Adult size (body / total length)
- Around 4 cm body length
- Temperament
- Calm / steady ambush predator
- Experience level
- Beginner
- Visibility
- Often visible hanging from décor or mesh
- Burrowing
- Does not burrow; provide twigs, leaf-like cover and mesh for moulting
- Growth rate
- Medium
CARE NOTES
Keeping considerations
Best available husbandry guidance: The Mantis Garden describes Ghost Mantis as adaptable, happiest around 60% humidity, and active at 25–27°C daytime temperatures. Provide airy vertical space, leaf-like cover, small flying prey and a calm setup. Oothecae are commonly incubated at 70–80% humidity and 25–30°C. Use a vertical, well-ventilated enclosure with secure mesh/grippy moulting surfaces, good height, suitable perches and enough clear space for safe ecdysis. Feed by abdomen condition rather than a fixed schedule, remove uneaten prey, and avoid disturbing mantises in premoult or during moulting. Care notes are based on The Mantis Garden guide/source data used with permission plus conservative ArachniDex husbandry wording. Adjust conditions for the individual, enclosure ventilation, room temperature and behaviour.
POSTERS & RESOURCES
Contributor resources
SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the references
Care can vary by species, life stage and local conditions. Review multiple reputable sources before making husbandry decisions.
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