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Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa)

Phyllocrania paradoxa

The Phyllocrania paradoxa, famous as the Ghost Mantis. It is one of the most iconic and bred mantises in the world thanks to its unparalleled camouflage: it looks exactly like a crumpled and rotting dry leaf (complete with veins, fake insect bites and irregular edges) with a flashy asymmetrical 'horn' on the head. Relatively small (1.6-2 inches), it is exceptionally long-lived and peaceful. Unlike almost all other mantises, it shows unprecedented communal tolerance: it can be bred in small groups without cannibalism (if well fed). Loves dry air and very hot temperatures. Feeds exclusively on soft flying prey (drosophila and flies), ignoring crickets and roaches on the ground.

Taxonomy
Class:Insecta
Order:Mantodea
Family:Hymenopodidae
Genus:Phyllocrania
Species:Phyllocrania paradoxa

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Environment

Terrestrial

Humidity

50 - 60 %

Day temperature

24 - 28 °C

Night temperature

20 - 22 °C

UVB

None

Species description

Geographic Origin and Habitat: This recovery makes no geographic-origin or habitat statement beyond the cited facts.
Taxonomy and Genetics: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy lists Phyllocrania paradoxa Burmeister, 1838 as an accepted species in the genus Phyllocrania, family Hymenopodidae and order Mantodea. This recovery makes no genetic statement beyond the cited taxonomic facts.
Behaviour and Habits: This recovery makes no behavioural statement beyond the cited facts.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery makes no morphological or sex-comparison statement beyond the cited facts.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Terrarium Setup: A mosquito-predation experiment used separate 15 × 15 × 15 cm BugDorm cages with one predator per cage. This is a study condition, not an enclosure prescription.
Lighting and Heating: This recovery sets no photoperiod or temperature target.
Humidity and Hydration: This recovery sets no humidity or watering target.
Feeding and Supplementation: In a laboratory study, Phyllocrania paradoxa readily preyed on Aedes aegypti using sit-and-wait and active-hunting modes. Each study individual received ten female mosquitoes; this was an experimental design, not a feeding plan.
Compatibility and Coexistence: The experiment used one predator per cage; this is not a cohabitation recommendation.
Health and Common Diseases: This recovery provides no health, disease, or treatment protocol.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This species originates from: Africa (Aree aride e cespugliose di Madagascar, Sudafrica e Africa orientale).

Origin

Africa and Madagascar

Terrestrial invertebrate profile

Diet
No verified data available
Life expectancy
No verified data available
Adult size
5 cm
The catalog's scalar value is 5 cm. The Keeping the Praying Mantis — species table source reports a maximum adult measurement of 5 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). The taxonomic record consulted is Phyllocrania paradoxa. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Lifestyle/Microhabitat
No verified data available
Activity cycle
No verified data available
Sociality
No verified data available
Reproduction
No verified data available
Venom level
No verified data available
Handling tolerance
No verified data available
Brumation
No verified data available
Molting
No verified data available

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

Related species

Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.

Variants and close relatives

Same atlas type, nearby scientific identity, genus, or family.

Spiny Flower Mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii)

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Jeweled Flower Mantis (Creobroter gemmatus)

Jeweled Flower Mantis (Creobroter gemmatus)

Creobroter gemmatus

Orchid Mantis

Orchid Mantis

Hymenopus coronatus

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Last updated: 08/10/2026
Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa) Care Guide & Terrarium Setup | Atlarium