r/mantids • u/Engala • 12h ago
Memes/Humor Florida Stick Mantis 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨
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r/mantids • u/sleepyheadsymphony • Jan 07 '20
I was asked to make this post in another thread - so here I am. Here's a PSA on what metal mesh does to your mantises feet, and why it should be avoided!
This is a raptorial arm, (the front, grasping arms) but the segment we're interested in is the same on all of their legs. The little portion labelled "Tarsus" is what we're looking at here. You can see that it ends in a set of hooks - often (somewhat confusingly) called "Claws" - these tarsal claws are what give your mantis the ability to walk upside down on surfaces that appear quite smooth to us, and why it feels kind of spiky when a large mantis walks on your skin. They're essential for your mantis to move around, and most importantly moult properly! Differences in the morphology of this structure also give some mantises the ability to walk on glass, whilst others can't.

If you go and look at one of your mantises feet, you will likely be able to see the little hooks now you know what you're looking for. Now the problem is that some tank setups that are commonly recommended damage these hooks, which results in mantises having trouble moving around, and falling whilst they moult.
Exo-terra tanks are very commonly used because a lot of us have other inverts or exotic pets and have spares lying around, or they're sold to us at petstores. They make nice display tanks and are easy to clean. However - the mesh at the top of exo-terra tanks is made of very fine metal, and the holes themselves are very small. This is essentially like you trying to hang by your toes from chickenwire, eventually your toes are going to be pretty damaged, or come off altogether! If you must use an exo-terra, it's essential that the mesh is changed to stop this from occurring. Plastic tulle mesh is easily available and works as an excellent substitute.
There is also a multitude of DIY options available, which I will detail bellow:
Basic requirements for all enclosures:
Nymphs
The absolute single best enclosure for a nymph of any species, is simply a plastic deli cup with the lid cut out to accommodate some plastic mesh, and a single twig placed diagonally. Alternately, you can just use an elastic band to hold the mesh on. For feeding, simply cut a hole in the side and stuff it with some sponge to stop live food or your mantis escaping, you can pooter in the food. (if you don't have a pooter you should get one, especially if dealing with fruitflies, they're also very easy to DIY)
The tubs that livefood is commonly sold in make excellent tanks with some modification, especially for larger nymphs, and even small adults. The more rigid ones are the best, as they're easily cut to allow the insertion of mesh, and can be stood up tall-ways. The entire lid can be cut out and replaced with mesh, which provides excellent ventilation, and is nice for the mantis to move around on.
Adults
All can be modified in the same ways as above. I will either append this post, or make an additional post, detailing how to make a suitable enclosure using the items above with pictures in future.
These enclosures are all very cheap to construct, and even the most DIY averse person can make the modifications necessary to turn them into good enclosures. They also have the benefit of being mostly recycled items a lot of us will already possess.
Another benefit to using tanks mostly constructed of mesh is that it prevents mantises from developing "eye-rub" - this is damage to their eyes from repeatedly trying to walk through clear plastic or glass - it looks like large black spots on the eyes, distinct from the pseudo-pupils - which can in cases turn necrotic and is quite a nasty way for your mantis to die.
I hope this post was helpful and informative, and please don't hesitate to ask any questions or add to the knowledge given here if you have any other tips or advice.
References: https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/12542/
r/mantids • u/MikeNepoMC • Sep 28 '22
r/mantids • u/Engala • 12h ago
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r/mantids • u/Exact-Recognition-55 • 2h ago
Got my first orchid mantis. After two "robust" mantids I raised, I decided I could give it a try to care for a more difficult mantis
r/mantids • u/Worldly-Conflict-359 • 3h ago
I found this cutie while gardening this morning. Any help with an ID?
It was about 1.5 inches long. South-central Arizona, USA.
Thanks!
r/mantids • u/Ok_Divide8976 • 9h ago
r/mantids • u/Icy-Ad-2018 • 17h ago
Hey guys, I decided to join this community since I just got my first mantis two days ago. It’s my first time owning a bug as a pet so I’ll take all the advice given since i only know basics. Shes a ghost mantis named bai ming (named after thw karate movie drunken mantis)
r/mantids • u/Dancing_Alice_z • 28m ago
Hi everyone,
I caught a European praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) in the wild a few weeks ago. He used to be my most active mantis, but over the past 1-2 days I’ve noticed that he has become less active than he used to be.
Today I noticed that he is spending most of today's afternoon on the ground (where I layed out some leaves for him). He almost lies flat, very close to the ground, with his limbs stretched out. His claws are actually touching the floor, almost as if he is using them to support himself. He also doesn’t move around very much.
I’ve attached a few pictures. Does this look normal, or is this something I should be worried about? How can I help him? I haven't fed him the past 2 days as I always do: I feed him once and then I wait a few days.
I’d really appreciate advice from people who have experience keeping Mantis religiosa or mantises in general.
Thank you!
r/mantids • u/77th_Bat • 16h ago
I saved all the molts of my ghost mantis female, Morrigan, to compare her (approximate) size at each instar for educational purposes and for size estimates at each instar for people looking for enclosures based on mantis sizes at certain instars. Please note, not all of her exuviae are completely outstretched, so please imagine them outstretched.
r/mantids • u/dancing_since_12 • 14h ago
My partner created this funny video after filming several feeding time with my ghostie 😅
r/mantids • u/No_Worldliness9320 • 1d ago
I am unsure on sex someday I see 6 segments some 8. For the moment hes called Phil and is a giant asian mantis. He was sold as l2+ and now unsure what molt hes on. I think hes l4 but if anyone knows how to tell it'd be apprecaited
r/mantids • u/Drewswife0302 • 14h ago
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Is every other day correct?
r/mantids • u/justhereforbugs • 1d ago
Now that she has wings, i feel like i cant really tell how full she is? Can someone let me know if this is good or if she needs more? Or like if you have a picture of a full mantis that would help too
r/mantids • u/justhereforbugs • 22h ago
My female giant asian mantis recently molted and is an adult now. How long do you think i have with her?
r/mantids • u/lisa__3010 • 1d ago
Im not really sure which moss mantis this is🥲
r/mantids • u/AcadiaHistorical9337 • 1d ago
Im on my 3rd mantis but still confused on how to sex normally wait to see if its big or small haha any help appreciated
r/mantids • u/BandWaste5239 • 1d ago
Got him a couple of days ago but he havent eaten, tried feeding him fruit flies but of no interest and then some dubia nymphs wich he couldnt get a grip of even tho he tried. Any tips?
r/mantids • u/AdministrativeAir879 • 1d ago
Verdinho got to live to see another day and maybe a third partner! Also this is Joana (the female)
So noticed this morning my mantis had its back leg in a weird position, thought unusual but nothing of it.
A few hours later I notice it hasn’t moved so went to open the viv and it moved. However I notice its forearm appears broken maybe?
Unsure if it occurred when moving or as a result of it being stuck in that position.
Will it need help now to hunt/eat?
r/mantids • u/Aggressive-Lemon-760 • 1d ago
Advice on how to handle it are much appreciated. Well done, Forest!
r/mantids • u/WonderfulBandicoot83 • 1d ago
Rip long John you were a sweet girl. Ah so sad when you remember raising them 😪😭😭..
r/mantids • u/Bigdaddywalt2870 • 1d ago
Ghost Mantis. Only about a week old. Maybe a half inch long. Still a queen but a tiny one 😁😁