Giant Asian mantis (Hierodula membranacea)
Photo: Kristof Zyskowski / CC BY 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Invertebrate · Mantis

Giant Asian mantis care guide

Hierodula membranacea

Beginner

The giant asian mantis is a beginner-level mantis from South and Southeast Asia. Adults reach Body 8–10 cm and live 8–12 months in captivity. Large. Solitary.

  • Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
  • Temp 24–28°C
  • Humidity 50–70%

How much does a giant asian mantis cost in Canada?

Animal$25–50Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$140–280Enclosure $40–80 · equipment $60–150 · bioactive supplies ≈ $50
Yearly upkeep$30–60Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$200–390All prices CAD, estimates

Giant Asian mantis quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
Body 8–10 cm
Lifespan
8–12 months
Activity
Diurnal
Native range
South and Southeast Asia
Minimum enclosure
30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
50–70%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, flies
Bioactive style
Arboreal insect

Giant Asian mantis enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a arboreal insect bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Premium Coconut Fiber3 cm

A thin, moisture-holding floor layer keeps humidity up. Leave at least twice the insect’s length of clear space below perches for moulting.

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a giant asian mantis eat?

Insectivore – crickets, roaches, flies. Feed adults every 2–3 days; avoid overfeeding gravid females.

Handling, temperament & health

Bold and handleable but can give a sharp grab.

Health watch: Moult failures from low humidity or too-short enclosures.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Mist lightly (species dependent) and check food plants are fresh.

Weekly

  • Replace food plants; remove frass and old leaves.

Monthly

  • Wipe mesh and check for mites.

Yearly

  • Replace the floor layer between generations.

Recommended for a giant asian mantis bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 45 cm).

Giant Asian mantis FAQ

Is the giant Asian mantis good for beginners?

Yes – the giant Asian mantis is a good choice for beginners. Bold and handleable but can give a sharp grab.

What size enclosure does a giant Asian mantis need?

At least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (about 12 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a giant Asian mantis cost in Canada?

Typically $25–50 CAD to buy, about $140–280 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $30–60 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a giant Asian mantis need?

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 50–70%.

What does a giant Asian mantis eat?

Insectivore – crickets, roaches, flies. Feed adults every 2–3 days; avoid overfeeding gravid females.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.