Ghost Mantis (P. paradoxa)

The Ghost mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa) is one of the most popular mantises kept in the hobby, mainly because of their stunning appearance combined with their reputation as a great beginner’s species, since they are known to be hardy and easy to keep and breed!

The ghost mantis is best know for it’s dead leaf mimicry, as they have traits such as leaf-like protrusions on the top of their heads, as well as leaf-like lobes on their legs, giving them an uncanny resemblance to a dried leaf! They come in a range of browns, yellows, and greens.

These mantises can tolerate a fair range when it comes to temperature and humidity. They are pretty hardy, and should do fairly well as long as you keep them between 65°F and 80°F, and at least 40% relative humidity (RH).  These mantises are one of the most communal of all mantis species, and can be housed together throughout their entire lives, with little risk of cannibalism.

The mantises currently for sale are L2/L3, and are currently eating fruit flies. 

Please be sure to have the proper prey items on hand when your mantis arrives.

For more information, check out our
Ghost Mantis Caresheet.

THIS MANTIS IS NOT NATIVE TO THE U.S. AND IS NOT TO BE RELEASED OUTDOORS!