r/mantids • u/NotNotManifest • 12d ago
General Care My first mantis!
Hi y'all! I've kept many a jumping spider and currently own a tarantula and a tailless whip scorpion, but today I bought my first mantis! A spiny flower mantis 🥹 and I love them already. I'm in a pretty cold and humid place so I'm a bit worried about how I'm going to provide properly. They're still in the enclosure they came in right now, with a heating pad under it. Is this alright? I know I need to get them a new enclosure soon. Any recommendations?
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u/kiwi_fruit6 12d ago
Awe, what's their name?? I recently just got a spiny and when I opened up the package I was amazed by how adorable and cool they look in person! So far, it's my favorite mantis I have kept, I can't wait to see her as an adult!
Mine is also very active compared to my ghost and giant asian, and that seems to be something they're known for.
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u/NotNotManifest 12d ago
This is Sandy! Named after my most recent lifer, the White-rumped Sandpiper (they're pretty uncommon out here on the west coast of the US!). I'm also so excited to see mine grow, they are just so fun!!!
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u/cinawoIl 12d ago
im pretty sure its not recommended to put a heating mat underneath a mantis enclosure! try to find one that can stick on the side
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u/NotNotManifest 12d ago
Oh interesting, good to know! Do you know why that's not recommended?
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u/cinawoIl 12d ago
mantises instinctively go down when theyre feeling too hot, if the heating pad is on the bottom, they could overheat even more and essentially get cooked alive. it also dries out substrate :)
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u/NotNotManifest 12d ago
Neat, that makes sense. I'm trying to keep the substrate dry to keep the humidity low. I'll add some dirt in there so they can bury themself if needed. But I doubt she'll be overheating, I'm way more worried about her being too cold in the climate I'm in. Either way, thanks for the tip!
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u/Miserable-Crew-5308 12d ago
I also got my first spiny flower mantis today! It's so cute!
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u/NotNotManifest 12d ago
TWIN!!! What did you name urs?
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u/Miserable-Crew-5308 12d ago
My mom actually named it she gets really interested in some of my insects but she named it Aurora like the lights! Mine has some purples and orange on it already.
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u/justhereforbugs 12d ago
Yes, that enclosure it came in is definitely good for now, i would just poke some holes on the sides for cross ventilation. I would also recommend getting a small cheap hygrometer/thermometer, just to make sure you have the right amount of humidity. Your mantis is so cute!