Not furry either, still lovely.
Ghost Mantis
Phyllocrania paradoxa
Ghost mantises are very calm and still, relying on their leaf-like camouflage.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Length | 4.5 to 5 cm (2 to 2 in)1 |
| Lifespan | 0.5 to 1 years2 |
| Coat | Body |
| Origin | Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar13 |
| Last checked | 2026-11-04 |
Personality what they are like
Ghost mantises are very calm and still, relying on their leaf-like camouflage. They are easily stressed and will play dead (thanatosis) if threatened; males may fly away. They are not aggressive and rarely move unless hunting.154
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Ghost Mantis. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Looks how to spot one
body
The body is flattened and leaf-shaped, with an asymmetrical crest on the head and leaf-like lobes on the legs, perfectly mimicking a dry, withered leaf.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very low activity; they spend most of the day motionless, hanging from twigs or leaves, waiting for prey. They rarely move except to strike or when disturbed.43
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
No grooming needed; they keep themselves clean. Care focuses on enclosure conditions: temperature 24-28°C, humidity 50-60% (or up to 90% if using higher humidity), and good ventilation. Mist lightly several times a week.32
Home where they are happiest
Provide a well-ventilated enclosure at least three times the mantis's body length tall, with twigs, dried leaves, and a mesh ceiling for hanging during moults. Daytime temperature 24-28°C, humidity around 50-60% (or up to 90% if using higher humidity). Light misting a few times a week.423
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Feed live flying insects such as fruit flies (for nymphs), houseflies, blue/green bottle flies, and small moths. Prey size should be about the size of the mantis's head. Offer food every 1-2 days.34
Company who they like around
Uniquely among mantises, ghost mantises can be housed in small groups of similar size, provided there is plenty of space, visual barriers, and a constant supply of flying food. However, cannibalism may occur if food runs out, so solitary housing is safest.342
The story where it all began
The ghost mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa) is native to dry scrublands of Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It has been kept in captivity for many years due to its remarkable leaf mimicry and calm nature. It is a popular beginner mantis because it is hardy, low-maintenance, and can be kept communally.12
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Ghost Mantis?
Feed your ghost mantis live flying insects every one to two days. The prey should be about the size of its head. Pet Wiki's starting plan notes that feeding frequency depends on the mantis's size and moult stage, so adjust as needed.34 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Ghost Mantis eat, and what should it never eat?
Ghost mantises eat live flying insects such as fruit flies, houseflies, blue or green bottle flies, and small moths. Never feed them dead insects or prey larger than their head, as they only hunt moving prey.34
How much space does a Ghost Mantis need?
Provide a well-ventilated enclosure at least three times the mantis's body length tall. Include twigs, dried leaves, and a mesh ceiling for hanging during moults.423
What temperature, light or water does a Ghost Mantis need?
Keep daytime temperature between 24 and 28°C and humidity around 50 to 60% (or up to 90% if using higher humidity). Mist lightly several times a week. Our sources do not specify light requirements; please ask an exotic-pet vet or experienced breeder for guidance on lighting.324
How often should I clean a Ghost Mantis's home?
Spot clean the enclosure once a week by removing leftover food. Change the substrate every six months. Also check humidity and refresh the water dish every two days. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Ghost Mantis live with others?
Ghost mantises are unique among mantises in that they can be kept in small groups of similar size if there is plenty of space, visual barriers, and constant flying food. However, solitary housing is safest to prevent cannibalism.342
How long does a Ghost Mantis live?
Ghost mantises typically live between six months and one year.2
Can I handle a Ghost Mantis?
Handling is not recommended because they are easily stressed and may play dead or fly away. They are calm and beautiful to observe, so it's best to enjoy them in their enclosure.154
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- en.wikipedia.org: Phyllocrania paradoxa en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, length cm, coat or body, colours, temperament, history, fun fact
- geckonia.eu: phyllocrania paradoxa geckonia.euused for lifespan years, best traits, grooming or care, habitat needs, social needs, history
- keepinginsects.com: phyllocrania paradoxa keepinginsects.comused for origin, coat or body, colours, best traits, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, fun fact
- atlarium.bio: phyllocrania paradoxa atlarium.bioused for best traits, temperament, activity needs, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, fun fact
- insectic.com: ghost mantis insectic.comused for temperament
- petshun.com: ghost mantis petshun.com
Checked 2026-11-04. Text is written in our own words from these sources.