Giant Asian Mantis (Hierodula membranacea)       

   Hierodula membranacea is one of the largest mantises encountered in the live hobby, measuring in at about 4 inches long. Commonly known as the Giant Indian Mantis, these mantids' sheer size makes up for their lack of interesting flanges or tubercles. Their classic and familiar shape is quickly recognizable as 100% mantis!  They hatch out pretty large and it's not uncommon for 1st instar hatchlings to take down houseflies. All Hierodula species are very large and easy to care for mantids.  This species is often sold as Hierodula grandis in the mantis hobby, though Hierodula grandis are half an inch larger and most likely mislabeled when unavailable. The photos below are of Hierodula membranacea. H. grandis look nearly identical.

2nd & 3rd instar nymphs

Giant Indian Mantis Nymphs, Hierodula grandis Giant Indian Mantis Nymphs, Hierodula grandis

 

5th Instar