Giant African Stick Mantis (Heterochaeta)

The Giant African Stick mantis (Heterochaeta sp.) is one of the largest and rarest of mantises in the hobby, and we are so fortunate to be able to share them with you, as they do not come around very often!  They have a lengthy, slender appearance and come in colors ranging from pale green, to light brown, to dark brown, which enables them to blend in with the surrounding branches perfectly, allowing them to remain undetected by predators and prey alike.  Another physical trait that they are known for is a pointy protrusion on the top of each eye, which resembles the pointy ears of a cat, earning them the nickname the “cat mantis.”

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 60°F and 80°F, and at least 30% relative humidity (RH).  These mantises are one of the most communal of all mantis species, and actually do better when kept in groups and housed together throughout their entire lives.

The mantises currently for sale are L2/L3, and are eating fruit flies. Be sure to have the proper prey items on hand when your mantis arrives.

For more information, check out our
Giant African Stick Mantis Caresheet.

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