Some of my mantids

[HungryGhost]

Pre-sub adult female Javan shield mantid:

Adult female African twig mantid:

Adult female Indian flower mantid:

Sub adult female African bud wing mantid:

Pair of female Ghost mantid nymphs:

 

[Nada]

WOW, really cool bugs, I've wanted to get into mantids for some time but the short lifespan keeps me away.

 

[HungryGhost]

WOW, really cool bugs, I've wanted to get into mantids for some time but the short lifespan keeps me away.

I find the short lifespan to be a plus in many ways. I get to keep new species as my population dies off, and breeding is possible in months not years. Another plus with mantids is they can be handled and some of them seem to really enjoy it. The downside is they need more care/feeding than T's, especially as nymphs.

 

[Nada]

I feed something every day anyway so that's not an issue. I just wish there were a good 10 year mantid.

 

[Josh]

How long do mantids live in general?
Also can someone clear up mantis vs mantid?
The ghost ones look SO cool! Thanks for sharing - what neat bugs! Would you mind adding some mantid photos to our media gallery?

 

[Nada]

mantid is plural, and about 1-2 years.

 

[HungryGhost]

Mantid/mantids is the correct term. See article below:
http://www2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef418.asp

In captivity, depending on the species, mantids live anywhere from about 6 to 18 months. Anything over a year is old and females tend to live longer than males. I'd be happy to post some pics in the media gallery.

 

[Nada]

I bought a flower, and a twig yesterday. They were cheap and I couldn't pass em up. Should be fun..

 

[HungryGhost]

I bought a flower, and a twig yesterday. They were cheap and I couldn't pass em up. Should be fun..

Good for you, are they nymphs or adults. Be careful, it s a slippery slope...

 

[Nada]

I was told 4i but I'm relatively sure that terminology doesn't work for mantids.. so would it be 4L?

 

[HungryGhost]

I was told 4i but I'm relatively sure that terminology doesn't work for mantids.. so would it be 4L?

Yeah with mantids they say L4. You probably have about 4 molts before adulthood. If you keep them on the warm side and feed them well (as much as once a day) they will grow quickly. They need to hang from the top of the enclosure unobstructed to molt successfully. Mis-molts are the most common cause death but the species you have usually don't have any issues. Enjoy them!

 

[Nada]

can they hang from Cork bark? or do they need to be at the very top?

 

[HungryGhost]

can they hang from Cork bark? or do they need to be at the very top?

They need to hang from the very top with nothing under them. Some type of mesh or screening would work well. In fact most mantids will spend the majority of time on roof of the enclosure anyway.

 

[Nada]

Ok, I had them in a screw top jar.. I'll change them out.

 

[Pider]

Beautiful! Their design is so incredible and cool.

 

[Tara Russell]

Oh my that Ghost Mantis looks awesome!!!!

 

[Tara Russell]

How do you do handle them? Do you just let them walk on your hand?

 

[HungryGhost]

How do you do handle them? Do you just let them walk on your hand?

Yep. They are a lot easier to handle than T's. It doesn't stress them out and they like to get out and explore.

 

[Lawrence b]

Yea Mantises are cool . Got Johannesburg Praying Mantises .

 

[Quandry]

Oooh, I love the ghost mantid! We have one for outreach. The little guy (or gal) has been growing. :3 We had a bunch of Asian mantids, but I think most of them didn't get through their moults.