
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hierodula majuscula
One of Australia's largest mantises, from the rainforests of the tropical north. A green giant of 7-11cm total length with an occasional bright yellow form. Hardy and handleable; traded stock is captive bred.
The giant rainforest mantis (Hierodula majuscula) is a large Hierodula of rainforest and adjacent habitats along coastal northern Australia. Total length from eye to wing tip is 7-11cm, ranking among the largest mantises. It is usually green, with an occasional bright yellow form. Prey includes stick insects, grasshoppers, crickets, flies and other mantises, as well as spiders and occasionally geckos, frogs and juvenile snakes. Keep at 24-30C; it survives at 18-24C but grows more slowly. Feed crickets or flies once or twice a week, enough to keep the abdomen plump. Females often eat the male during mating and a headless male continues to mate. An ootheca follows 20-40 days after mating and hatches 100-200 nymphs after 40-50 days. It can be handled, though adults may grab a finger mistaking it for prey. Wild stock is not exported from Australia, so captive-bred individuals are what is traded.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan is about a year.
The Giant Rainforest Mantis grows to Total length 7-11cm (body length up to about 70mm).
The ideal temperature for the Giant Rainforest Mantis is 24〜30℃. Ideal humidity is 60〜80%.
Hold humidity at 60-80% with daily misting.
Origin
Rainforests of coastal northern Australia (around Cairns, Queensland and elsewhere)
Sources: Minibeast Wildlife - Care guide: Giant Rainforest Mantid, Hierodula majuscula (PDF) / Hierodula majuscula - Wikipedia (EN)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Hierodula majuscula Tindale, 1923
Synonyms: Parhierodula majuscula
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendix (checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
About one year
Size
Total length 7-11cm (body length up to about 70mm)
Temperature
24〜30℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Live crickets, flies and roaches
Best at 24-30C; 18-24C is tolerated with slower growth. Keep humidity at 60-80% with daily misting, which also provides drinking water. Avoid overheating in direct sun and ensure good ventilation.
Adults mate year-round. Pair in a large enclosure where the male can approach from a distance; cramped cages lead to cannibalism before mating. An ootheca is laid 20-40 days after mating and hatches 100-200 nymphs in 40-50 days. Unmated females also lay infertile oothecae.
Hatchlings tolerate each other briefly, but afterwards any encounter ends in cannibalism. Separate the nymphs you intend to raise early.
Lifespan is about a year. Males have seven abdominal segments, females six; wings mark adulthood. Moulting needs room to hang undisturbed from a leaf or branch.
Moulting problems stem from cramped or dry enclosures and from feeder insects disturbing the moult, so remove uneaten prey. Adults may grab fingers as prey and males can fly, so handle with care.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Giant Rainforest Mantis is 24〜30℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Giant Rainforest Mantis typically reaches Total length 7-11cm (body length up to about 70mm) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Giant Rainforest Mantis feeds on: Live crickets, flies and roaches. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Giant Rainforest Mantis varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026