(also applies to Phyllocrania illudens, a synonym/morph of P. paradoxa)
Difficulty: Beginner
Size: males up to 2” (5.5cm); females up to 2.5” (6cm)
Lifespan: males up to 1 year; females up to 1.5 year
Recommended enclosure size by instar:
– 1i-3i: 2/8oz deli cup (2×2″/5×5cm)
– 4i-6i: 5.5/16oz deli cup (3×3″/8×8cm)
– 7i-adult: 32oz deli cup or similar sized enclosure (4.5×6″/12×15cm)
Humidity: 30-50%, can tolerate higher. Mist every other day or so for hydration
Temperature: 65–80°F (18-27°C)
Feeding: ghost mantises tend to prefer flying prey and may be intimidated by larger prey
– 1i-2i: D. melanogaster or D. hydei fruit flies
– 3i-5i: D. hydei fruit flies, house flies
– 6i-adult: house flies, blue bottle flies, small/medium roaches, small crickets, wax worms/moths
Breeding:
Wait until around 3 weeks after adult molt for females and 2 weeks for males.
They can lay up to 15 ooths starting around 4-5 weeks after the adult molt. Each ooth can hatch up to 80 nymphs when kept at the same parameters as the mantises for 4-5 weeks.
Other Resources:
Mantids & More – Lexicon – Phyllocrania paradoxa
Mantis Monarch – Phyllocrania paradoxa
Mantis Universe – Ghost Mantis Care Sheet
Mantid Kingdom – Phyllocrania paradoxa Care