P. Paradoxa (Ghost Mantis)

Phyllocrania Paradoxa

 * Level: Beginner
 * Native Habitat: Various parts of Africa
 * Common Names
 * Ghost Mantis

Captive Habitat

 * Enclosure Type:  Arboreal; The enclosure should be at least 3 times the height of the mantis (space taken up by substrate does not count towards this) and 2 times the width. Make sure the container is very well ventilated and if possible have cross ventilation. There should be at least 1 stick that reaches to the top of the enclosure for the mantis to perch on but if possible add extra sticks and maybe even a plant to give your mantis some extra enrichment. The top of the enclosure should be made from some sort of fabric mesh (many types of fabric will work) which the mantis can hang upside down from. Do not use metal mesh as it can be dangerous and potentially rip off the mantises leg when it tries to molt or move around. Enclosures made out of 32 oz. deli cups or from large plastic jars are popular and inexpensive options. Exo Terras are also a good option if you want to spend the money and they can look incredible once set up. Exo terras do have metal mesh on the top so it is recommended you remove that and replace it with a mesh made of fabric.
 * Substrate: Coco fiber or sphagnum moss are both easy to obtain and and good options for substrate. If using either of these options make sure to spot clean poop daily and completely change the substrate every 6 months. It is also possible to do a bioactive set up which can go years without needing any type of substrate change and will not need to be spot cleaned as the clean-up crew will take care of the poop and mold. Research how to set up a bioactive enclosure if you are interested in this option.
 * Conditions: Moist but well ventilated to prevent fungal growth.
 * Humidity: 50-70%
 * Temp: 65-82*F(19-27*C)

Husbandry

 * Temperament: This species is very docile and gets scared easily, they are delicate but may be handled cautiously.
 * Behavior: As ambush predators this species spends much of its life setting very still, but don't be fooled these mantids can move quite quickly. Unlike other mantids which will threat display when they feeled threatened, this mantis will play dead when it gets scared.
 * Size: Males get up to 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) while females can reach 2.75 inches (6.98cm) but most likely both will be closer to 2 inches (5 cm).
 * Social: Yes; Unlike most mantids, this species can be housed comunaley. Canibalism is rare if the enclosure is big enough and all the mantids are kept well fed, however, canabilism is still possible so its recomended to house each one indivisually.
 * Life span: 10-18 months (Higher temperature and feeding more often will speed up the maturity of the mantis. this species matures more slowly than most other species. Males and females mature at the same rate and both have the same number of molts).
 * Feeding: L1-L4 should be fed fruit flies every other day. L5-Adult can be fed green/bluebottle flies, house flies, dubia roaches, red runner roaches, meal worms, or wax worms twice a week. Green/blue bottle and house flies are the best option. Make sure the prey is not too large as this species easily gets scared if it finds its food too big. While it is possible to feed crickets, they can contain harmful bacteria which could potentially kill your mantis so they should be avoided if possible. Make sure your mantis eats its food as any uneaten feeders may disturb the mantis while it molts.