Ghost Praying Mantis

Phyllocrania paradoxa

The Ghost Praying Mantis is a madagascan praying mantis with leaf like projections on the legs and head.

This small species grows to aprox. 45-50mm in length when adult. They look similar to the Dead Leaf Mantis, looking like a dead dried up leaf.
A twisted leaf protrudes from the head and on the prothorax (neck) it is flattened with pointed triangular extensions on each side. The walking legs have broken leaf shaped lobes attached and the abdomen also has extensions on either side. Veins run through the wings when adult, making them able to camouflage even better! The colours range from an almost black to a light tan. The males are easily recognised compared to the females, due to their long antennae, almost transparent wings and olive colour.

These are a long-lived Mantis, shedding their skin like other species aprox. every 3-5 weeks until the 4th shed. From here on they eat infrequently and the last shed before adult hood can take aprox. 2 months.

They come from Africa and Madagascar. This species likes to be kept warm at a temperature of 25-30C (77-86F). A heat mat may be needed during the winter months, but in summer you should be fine at room temperature - make sure they are not kept near any drafts! While young spray them 5 -7 times a week with a fine mister. When nearly adult take this down to aprox. 3 times a weeks.