Your First Steps into the Fascinating World of Mantis Keeping
So you’ve decided to join the incredible hobby of mantis keeping! Praying mantises make remarkable pets that offer endless opportunities for observation and learning. This comprehensive guide will help you start your journey successfully and responsibly.
Why Choose a Praying Mantis?
Unique Personalities Each mantis has its own distinct personality. Some are bold and curious, others are shy and reserved. You’ll be amazed by their individual quirks and behaviors as you get to know your mantis.
Low Maintenance Compared to many pets, mantises require relatively simple care. They don’t need daily walks, grooming, or constant attention, making them perfect for busy lifestyles.
Educational Value Watching a mantis hunt, molt, and grow provides incredible insights into insect biology and behavior. They’re living lessons in predator-prey relationships and adaptation.
Choosing Your First Mantis Species
Beginner-Friendly Species
Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis)
- Large, hardy, and forgiving of minor care mistakes
- Easy to find food for due to their size
- Lives 6-8 months as adults
- Temperature range: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
Giant Asian Mantis (Hierodula membranacea)
- Very robust and adaptable
- Excellent appetite and growth rate
- Good for learning basic mantis behavior
- Temperature range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
Carolina Mantis (Stagmomantis carolina)
- North American native species
- Moderate size and easy care
- Interesting regional variations
- Temperature range: 68-78°F (20-26°C)
Species to Avoid as Beginners
- Orchid Mantis (very humidity sensitive)
- Devil’s Flower Mantis (complex temperature needs)
- Spiny Flower Mantis (delicate and challenging)
Essential Equipment and Setup
Enclosure Requirements
- Minimum size: 3x the mantis length in height, 2x length in width and depth
- Excellent ventilation (screen tops are ideal)
- Secure lid to prevent escapes
- Climbing surfaces like fake plants or cork bark
Environmental Controls
- Thermometer and hygrometer for monitoring
- Heat mat or ceramic heat emitter if needed
- Spray bottle for misting (species-dependent)
- Substrate: paper towels, coconut fiber, or bare bottom
Feeding Supplies
- Feeding tweezers or tongs
- Variety of appropriately-sized feeder insects
- Small dishes for water (not always necessary)
Feeding Your Mantis
Live Prey Requirements Mantises are obligate predators and must eat live, moving prey. The prey should be approximately 1/3 to 1/2 the size of your mantis.
Appropriate Feeder Insects
- Fruit flies (for nymphs and small species)
- House flies and blue bottle flies
- Crickets (remove hind legs to prevent injury)
- Roaches (dubia, red runner, or house roaches)
- Moths and butterflies (occasional treats)
Feeding Schedule
- Young nymphs: every 1-2 days
- Sub-adults: every 2-3 days
- Adults: every 3-5 days
- Adjust based on your mantis’s appetite and abdomen size
Important Feeding Tips
- Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
- Don’t feed during molting periods
- Gut-load feeder insects for better nutrition
- Never leave aggressive prey (like crickets) unsupervised
Understanding the Molting Process
What to Expect Mantises grow by shedding their exoskeleton in a process called molting or ecdysis. This happens 6-8 times before they reach adulthood.
Pre-Molt Behavior
- Refusing food for several days
- Hanging upside down motionless
- Appearing sluggish or unresponsive
- Abdomen may appear swollen
During Molting
- The process takes 30 minutes to several hours
- The mantis hangs upside down and splits out of its old skin
- Do not disturb or attempt to help
- Ensure high humidity during this time
Post-Molt Care
- The new exoskeleton is soft and vulnerable
- Don’t feed for 24-48 hours after molting
- Mist lightly to maintain humidity
- The mantis will gradually darken and harden
Daily and Weekly Care Routine
Daily Tasks
- Check temperature and humidity levels
- Observe your mantis for health and behavior
- Remove any uneaten food or waste
- Light misting if your species requires it
Weekly Tasks
- Deep clean the enclosure if needed
- Replace substrate if using organic materials
- Check all equipment for proper function
- Document growth and behavior changes
Health and Common Issues
Signs of a Healthy Mantis
- Alert and responsive to movement
- Strong grip and good coordination
- Regular feeding and normal waste production
- Proper molting cycles
Common Problems and Solutions
- Mismolt: Usually due to low humidity or disturbance
- Refusal to eat: Check temperature, prey size, or molting status
- Lethargy: Verify proper heating and humidity
- Black spots: May indicate bacterial infection
Safety and Handling
When to Handle
- Mantises are generally best observed rather than handled
- If handling is necessary, be gentle and patient
- Never handle during molting or immediately after
- Young nymphs are extremely fragile
Safe Handling Technique
- Allow the mantis to walk onto your hand
- Move slowly and deliberately
- Have a secure container ready
- Handle over a soft surface in case of falls
Record Keeping
Important Data to Track
- Molting dates and observations
- Feeding records and prey types
- Growth measurements
- Behavioral changes
- Temperature and humidity logs
Benefits of Good Records
- Helps predict molting cycles
- Identifies health patterns
- Useful for breeding programs
- Contributes to community knowledge
Joining the Community
Getting the Most from Forums
- Start with a proper introduction post
- Ask specific questions with photos when possible
- Share your experiences and observations
- Be respectful of different care approaches
Contributing to Knowledge
- Document interesting behaviors
- Share molting and feeding videos
- Participate in species discussions
- Help other beginners when you gain experience
Final Thoughts
Mantis keeping is a rewarding hobby that connects you with one of nature’s most efficient predators. Start slowly, focus on learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Every expert mantis keeper started exactly where you are now.
Remember that each mantis is an individual with its own needs and personality. What works for one may not work for another, so stay observant and flexible in your approach.
Welcome to the wonderful world of mantis keeping – your eight-legged (plus two raptorial arms!) friends are waiting to amaze you!
Happy Mantis Keeping!