Hierodula membranacea is a large mantid, sharing its common name giant Asian mantis with other large members of genus Hierodula. Its colours vary from green to yellow-green, or even brown to reddish-brown, similar to those of the giant Indian mantis and the giant Malaysian mantis. As the name suggests, it originates from southeast Asia and is among the largest of mantises. Male and female adults reach around 10 centimetres (3.9 in), excluding extended forelegs. It is a cannibalistic species, with the females sometimes eating the males after mating.