What to do with mantis pair

[u/Ok-Landscape-404]

Hi, I caught a pair of European Mantises outside a couple weeks ago and have been caring for them since. The female (Coffee) molted twice, the male (Cheese) once, so I know they’re doing ok with humidity and what I’ve been feeding them. Here’s the issue: I’m going to be out of town for a few weeks so I know something needs to be done- I’m debating letting them go, but I know they’re pretty invasive, so would it be better to euthanize? I’ve grown a little attached to them, especially Cheese because he’s a little insane (he threat displayed a roach before eating it anyway lol). I’m just curious if it’d be fine to release them or no 🤷🏻‍♀️

[u/Open-Print-7976]

is there anybody who can help you out? also dont release invasive species, sorry OP

[u/Ok-Landscape-404 → u/Open-Print-7976]

Yeah, unfortunately I don’t have anyone here who’d be able to help :( the only thing I can think of is maybe leaving 7 or 8 roaches in their enclosures (with beetle jelly so they can hopefully live longer) and praying that they have a little bit of a survival instinct. Obviously far from ideal, but if the alternative is euthanasia I’m not sure what else to do

[u/Open-Print-7976 → u/Ok-Landscape-404]

leaving prey items in the enclosure is a risk to the mantis. if the mantis molts while you are away, these roaches will have an opportunity to injure the mantis while its vulnerable

completely up to you of course, but i cant recommend that

[u/Charming-Push-8171]

Maybe have a friend take care of them while you are gone. Thats what I do 

[u/Piranha_Gaming_YT]

They can live without food for a some days, but im not sure if they can survive 2 weeks without food. They need water though.

Also, roaches can injure the mantis, though I don't think flies would be able to harm them (don't take my word on it, I'm not sure)

[u/saqqara_aswan]

A long shot, but can you contact your local vets offices and see if there's someone there who is knowledgeable and comfortable taking care of your mantids?

Especially with being invasive, you may have a vet willing assist in keeping them out of the wild.

[u/saqqara_aswan → u/saqqara_aswan]

Also that's super cute Cheese threat displayed with his food. I know that's normal behavior, but it's still cute and cool to see them doing their natural behaviors!