Common hobby species: Hierodula membranacea, H. majuscula, H. venosa, H. patillefera
Common name(s): Giant Asian, Giant Rainforest, Yellow Giant Asian, etc.
Difficulty: beginner
Size: males up to 3.5” (9cm); females up to 4” (10cm)
Lifespan: males up to 1.5 years; females up to 2 years
Recommended enclosure size by instar:
– 1i-3i: 8oz-16oz deli cup (4.5×2″/12×5cm)
– 4i-6i: 32oz deli cup (4.5×6″/12×15cm)
– 7i-adult – 8×8×12″ (20×20×30cm) enclosure minimum
Humidity: 40-60%, mist every other day or so for hydration (H. majuscula may need higher, around 60-80%)
Temperature: 70-86°F (21-30°C)
Feeding:
– 1i-2i: D. melanogaster or D. hydei fruit flies
– 3i-5i: house flies, blue bottle flies, small cockroaches, or small crickets
– 6i-adult: blue bottle flies, medium/large crickets, medium/large crickets, mealworms (as a treat), wax worms/moths
Breeding:
It is best to wait until at least 3-4 weeks after the final molt for both males and females. Females tend to be very aggressive. The more mature the female is, the more calm she will be when breeding.
They will generally lay 4-6 ooths each female. They will hatch in around 4-6 weeks kept in the same conditions as the mantises. Around 100-150 nymphs hatch from each ooth.
Further Resources:
Mantids & More – Lexicon – Hierodula membranacea
Mantid Kingdom – Hierodula membranacea Care Sheet
Panterra Pets – Hierodula membranacea Care Sheet
Mantids & More – Lexicon – Hierodula majuscula