Acanthops falcata
Acanthops • Acanthopidae
A small, superbly camouflaged dead-leaf mantis from South American rainforest. Needs warmth (about 79°F day, low 70s at night) with high 70-80% humidity from daily misting, plus good ventilation and plenty of twigs to perch on. It is not an active hunter — it ambushes flying prey — but it is exceptionally aggressive and cannibalistic, so nymphs must be separated early and adults kept strictly alone. Do not disturb during molts. Harmless to humans.
Temperature
68-82°F
Humidity
70-80%
Prey size: flies, crickets, roaches
Type
arboreal
Adult Size
female ~2.4 in, male ~1.6 in
Growth Rate
medium
Native Region
Central and South American rainforest
Temperament
cryptic leaf mimic; very aggressive/cannibalistic
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