Orchid Mantis
vs Ghost Mantis
If you're new to mantis keeping, the Ghost Mantis is the clear choice — beginner-friendly care with forgiving temperature and humidity requirements.
| Orchid Mantis | Ghost Mantis | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Hymenopus coronatus | Phyllocrania paradoxa |
| Care level | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Adult size (female) | 6.5 cm | 5 cm |
| Adult size (male) | 2.5 cm | 4.5 cm |
| Lifespan | 5–10 months | 8–18 months |
| Temperature | 72–85°F | 68–80°F |
| Humidity | 60–80% | 60–70% |
| Molts to adult (female) | 8 (adult at L9) | 7 (adult at L8) |
| Molts to adult (male) | 6 (adult at L7) | 6 (adult at L7) |
| Diet | Flying insects: fruit flies → houseflies → bottle flies and moths | Flying insects preferred: fruit flies → houseflies → bottle flies |
| Communal? | No | Yes |
| Origin | Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia | Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar |
Care Difficulty
Orchid Mantis is rated Intermediate while Ghost Mantis is Beginner. The main differences are in humidity requirements (60–80% vs 60–70%) and temperature sensitivity.
Size & Lifespan
Orchid Mantis is the larger species. Ghost Mantis lives longer on average. Females of both species typically live longer than males.
Appearance
Orchid Mantis: The world's most photogenic mantis. Pink-and-white petal-mimicking limbs, native to Southeast Asian rainforests. Sought after globally for stunning visual displays. Ghost Mantis: The best "first exotic mantis." Leaf-mimicking camouflage, low cannibalism, and tolerant of typical room conditions. Long-lived for a mantis. 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.
Orchid Mantis
The world's most photogenic mantis. Pink-and-white petal-mimicking limbs, native to Southeast Asian rainforests. Sought after globally for stunning visual displays.
Ghost Mantis
The best "first exotic mantis." Leaf-mimicking camouflage, low cannibalism, and tolerant of typical room conditions. Long-lived for a mantis.