H. grandis sub-adult
Hierodula grandis, also known as the Giant Idian Mantis, is one of the biggest mantid species that I have kept. They reach lengths of 4 to 4.5 inches which makes them easy to feed as they are able to tackle most kinds of feeders. If you have seen the Discovery channels special on mantids, you would have seen this sp. tackling small snakes, mice, and small birds.
Hierodula sp. have been one of my favorite sp. to keep. I have always liked the larger sp. of mantid, and this one is large and very hardy. This sp. needs little care as long as they have the basics, and the size of the adults makes them impressive.
Breeding this species is pretty simple. I find the females are less likely to eat the males if introduced around 3 weeks after becoming adults, and the males are more likely to breed at that time as well. Still, I am always cautious enough to provide food for the female mantids and only introduce the males while the female is eating.
Below you will find pics of Giant Indian Mantids at various stages that I have kept and bred. Enjoy!