The stick mantis ghosts are not as aggressive as the widespread species but have a defense display used to make the mantis appear larger by flinging its front legs into the air and putting its head down along with its antennae.

[citation needed] These large brown mantids are aggressive as adults and are known to attack large prey, such as small birds, and rarely, fish, frogs, and lizards.

The large brown mantids are cannibalistic and are known to attack humans defensively if disturbed or not handled properly.

They can also jump a short distance from a perched spot to escape enemies.

Reproduction occurs when the male injects a single sperm at a time and can last up to half an hour.