Ghost Mantis
vs Dead Leaf Mantis
If you're new to mantis keeping, the Ghost Mantis is the clear choice — beginner-friendly care with forgiving temperature and humidity requirements.
| Ghost Mantis | Dead Leaf Mantis | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Phyllocrania paradoxa | Deroplatys gorochovi |
| Care level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Adult size (female) | 5 cm | 8 cm |
| Adult size (male) | 4.5 cm | 6 cm |
| Lifespan | 8–18 months | 8–13 months |
| Temperature | 68–80°F | 72–85°F |
| Humidity | 60–70% | 60–80% |
| Molts to adult (female) | 7 (adult at L8) | 8 (adult at L9) |
| Molts to adult (male) | 6 (adult at L7) | 7 (adult at L8) |
| Diet | Flying insects preferred: fruit flies → houseflies → bottle flies | Flying insects: fruit flies → houseflies → bottle flies → moths |
| Communal? | Yes | No |
| Origin | Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar | Southern Vietnam (similar care to D. desiccata) |
Care Difficulty
Ghost Mantis is rated Beginner while Dead Leaf Mantis is Intermediate. The main differences are in humidity requirements (60–70% vs 60–80%) and temperature sensitivity.
Size & Lifespan
Dead Leaf Mantis is the larger species. Ghost Mantis lives longer on average. Females of both species typically live longer than males.
Appearance
Ghost Mantis: The best "first exotic mantis." Leaf-mimicking camouflage, low cannibalism, and tolerant of typical room conditions. Long-lived for a mantis. Dead Leaf Mantis: A walking torn leaf. Wide shield-shaped pronotum, deimatic death-feign defense, and stunning patterning. The species that proves nature is the best costume designer. Both are visually striking in completely different ways — check the photos above and the product pages for gallery images.
Best For
If you're new to mantis keeping, the Ghost Mantis is the clear choice — beginner-friendly care with forgiving temperature and humidity requirements. Both species are captive-bred at our facility in Las Vegas and ship with a live arrival guarantee on Priority Overnight.
Ghost Mantis
The best "first exotic mantis." Leaf-mimicking camouflage, low cannibalism, and tolerant of typical room conditions. Long-lived for a mantis.
Dead Leaf Mantis
A walking torn leaf. Wide shield-shaped pronotum, deimatic death-feign defense, and stunning patterning. The species that proves nature is the best costume designer.