Formosan giant mantis
This mantis, one of the largest in the region with females over 10 cm long, was only placed in its own genus, separate from Hierodula, in 2020.
| Where | Forests and shrubby vegetation |
|---|---|
| Size | 71 to 103 mm body length |
| When | November to September |
The Formosan giant mantis is a large, usually uniformly green mantis, with the underside of the thorax sometimes showing reddish brown to magenta tones; dried museum specimens often fade to brown or yellowish.
Adults ambush large insects among forest vegetation and shrubs, and this species was moved out of the genus Hierodula into the newly created genus Titanodula in 2020 based on the shape of the male genitalia.
Traits
Habitat
Woodland
Colour
Green, Brown
Active
Day and night
To people
Preys on large insects with spined forelegs; not known to sting people.
Activity through the year
Often confused with
Distinctly smaller, at about 52 to 61 mm long, and shows green or brown colour forms rather than the more uniform green of the Formosan giant mantis.
Questions
Is the Formosan giant mantis dangerous to people?
Preys on large insects with spined forelegs; not known to sting people.
When can you see the Formosan giant mantis?
The Formosan giant mantis can be seen from November to September, by day and at night.
Plate retouched from a photo by Licheng Shih, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist Licence
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Last updated 2026-09-27. Every entry is checked against published sources.