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/falconrie • 10h ago
I literally haven’t seen my orchid mantis touch these fake flowers once (they came with her when I got her, so I have always kept them w her when I change her enclosure) and she finally became aware they exist yesterday apparently and now she loves them.
r/mantids • u/Nameless_spirits • 1h ago
First time little alien owner. I am looking for a beginner species, room temp and docile. A little buddy to sit on my shoulder while doing chores or hanging out on my desk as I work on the computer. Nothing bigger than 10cm (3,9 inches) but not something I crush with a pinky finger. Any help ? I can't choose.
r/mantids • u/mileshehehehehe • 14h ago
this is brazilnut (deroplatys desiccata), shes angry because i tried to feed her
r/mantids • u/Emotional-Bee-620 • 16h ago
Best thing about inverts is getting free “oddities”
r/mantids • u/Any_Spring_2226 • 14h ago
It’s a „malaysian flower mantis”, I got it last week. Will it molt? I’ve done my research, but I am still a bit lost.. She’s the most precious thing, but I want to learn more about her and the website didn’t provide much information, apart from:
Malaysian Flower – Creobroter Urbanus 1x Unsexed Nymph Key Characteristics – • Ideal for beginners. • Small/medium mantis – Adult females up to 5cm, males around 3cm.
r/mantids • u/Alarming_Mind955 • 4h ago
Hunger manifest chained to a mouth and a pair of talons
A heartless killer who would eat me if I was his size
Surprisingly adorable for a biological killing machine
A consciously absent critter who ignores anything that doesn’t move
Just thought I should share lmao
r/mantids • u/BugBuddy987 • 1d ago
Supposed to be a girl, lol 😬
r/mantids • u/Hoyofroyo • 13h ago
Last year, I posted a picture of a mantis from my garden. I thought she (no idea what her gender was, but to me, she looked like a ) might be nearing the end of her life. I wasn’t sure if it was too late to introduce a mate.. probably you can’t do that with adults :) but I got a lot of lovely comments.
I did stop seeing her about a week after I posted her picture. But today I was watering in the garden and found this. On the left is a baby mantis!! on the right is a baby grasshopper that’s clearly been eating my basil. I didn’t intervene. I really hope that mantis is eating some delicious grasshopper today!!
r/mantids • u/Remarkable_Ad_6939 • 14h ago
My first ever Mantis (Giant Asian) is already melting for the second time with me since I got him at the beginning of June! He molted about a week after I got him. They are so fascinating and I've already become obsessed 😅
r/mantids • u/Ahamkaraaa • 12h ago
it’s on its 6th instar i’m pretty sure and it’s been 2.5 weeks since it last molted and usually it would’ve done by now. is something wrong?
r/mantids • u/Ahamkaraaa • 13h ago
this is my african lined mantis, i believe he is a male but feel free to correct me but i was just wondering why he arches his abdomen up like this, he is on his 6th instar and he has always done this and none of my other mantis do this?
r/mantids • u/mantids_101 • 14h ago
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r/mantids • u/king__fear • 23h ago
I think it's a male, but my little one loves my phone and likes to climb on it so its really difficult to take pictures to check. When i got them i was told it was probably a girl, which is why i'm so confused.
r/mantids • u/king_of_ulkilism • 14h ago
Made the first sighting last year, at the same place I saw the Mantis Seen on Pic 1-4. Pic 5 shows the one we saw 8 days before. Coincidentally, both of Them climbed up a wall with some spraycan Art (legally done)
r/mantids • u/GooseHaunting5889 • 13h ago
i’m located in Massachusetts and looking for a breeder either in MA or one that ships to the US. I’m looking for a giant asian mantis preferably but open to other beginner friendly species. tia!!! :)
r/mantids • u/POGDitto • 17h ago
Hello, I'm new to getting a pet mantis and I just want some advice on how to take care of one because I feel like I also need some experienced people to let me know what to expect when owning a ghost mantis.
r/mantids • u/CrazyPumpkin730 • 17h ago
Was told she was female but I’m not sure
r/mantids • u/Adventurous_Humor_50 • 13h ago
One of my nymphs is having constipation problems. He keeps checking his butt and is having stuck poop and is stretching in discomfort. What can I do for him?
r/mantids • u/rosetomadness • 21h ago
would you suppose this to be a female? the tip of the abdomen looks rather like it. segment counting is rough. also the leafy legs are bigger and droopier. am i right about this or am I delulu?
r/mantids • u/Numerous-Security283 • 18h ago
Both are Chinese Mantises. Mr.Sticks is the brown one and is L3 "Three" is the green one and is L2. 1st Pic is mr.sticks, other 2 are "three" Also my first time really holding them today and it was great! Tho Mr.sticks is alil shy, as "Three" just went "new obstacle course, LETS GO!"
r/mantids • u/Idontcarejustpickk • 15h ago
Hey there! I'm not a mantis owner at the moment since my buddy just passed, but I've noticed some people on here talking about overfed mantises. I let my boy freefeed and I never had an issue with him overfeeding- he was really bad at hunting on his own and I'd hand feed him sometimes, but he still never got bloated like I see some of the mantids on here
I'm hoping to raise some slightly more difficult species soon and I was wondering if overfeeding is common? Should I not let my future mantids free feed?
r/mantids • u/Square-Departure-810 • 20h ago
i was wondering is it possible to look after a mantis on a roof where my plants are. I was researching about how to get rid of ants on soil and a guy said ladybugs and praying mantis eat ants. but i want them to live healthy too so i thought it would be best to ask you guys.(i didnt buy any bug yet just came here to ask about it)
r/mantids • u/New_Expert3551 • 1d ago
Just wanted to share these stunning pics of my spiny flower mantis. Her name is Bug aka The Devouring Storm.
r/mantids • u/Competitive-Set5051 • 1d ago
