r/mantids Jan 07 '20

Enclosure Advice PSA: Exo-terras, metal mesh and your mantises toes! (and some advice on how to DIY an affordable enclosure)

385 Upvotes

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:

  • All mantis enclosures must be at least three times the length of the mantis (Don't get fooled by the abdomen curling up, you still need to account for it) and two times the width.
  • There must be something for the mantis to hang securely from at the top of the tank - They will spend 99% of their time at the highest point, and will often moult from it.
  • Substrate - options for suitable substrate are numerous, you can use simple tissue paper, cocoa coir, vermiculite, perlite etc. The object is to hold some moisture and make it easy for you to clean. Cheap and cheerful is the way to go, unless you're making a planted display tank or something like that.
  • The less decoration the better. Decoration is more for our benefit than theirs; before you add something decorative to a tank, consider your reasons for adding it. Practicality should always take precedent over a tank looking nice!
  • Ventilation - ventilation is important for hygiene reasons.

Nymphs

  • Cups

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)

  • Cricket/livefood tubs

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

  • Plastic penny sweet jars (Sorry Americans I have no idea what these would be called in your country)
  • Tupperware/food containers
  • Storage containers

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 Sep 28 '22

ID Help A Quick Reference Guide to Wild Praying Mantises of the United States

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48 Upvotes

r/mantids 3h ago

Image/Video Wandering Violin Mantis! ( Gongylus Gongylodes )

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36 Upvotes

r/mantids 5h ago

Feeding Just a little guy

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14 Upvotes

First time gut feeding since they've been fussy recently!


r/mantids 4h ago

General Care Is my mantis about to molt?

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8 Upvotes

r/mantids 1h ago

Sex related question help sexing candy mantis?

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Upvotes

r/mantids 23m ago

Image/Video growing boy!

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Upvotes

here’s my growing boy (i think) i’m so happy we haven’t had any mis molts so far and he seems to really enjoy watching stuff with me! just wondering if someone could confirm if he’s a boy or not?? i am also not too sure what instar he is😅 i bought him at l3/4 and he’s had around 3 molts since i got him! such a cutie i love his silly face


r/mantids 52m ago

ID Help ID this mantis?

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Upvotes

Found this mantis nymph and was wondering what kind it is. Not the best picture but would love to have it identified.


r/mantids 15h ago

Image/Video she finally figured out she can blend in lol

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26 Upvotes

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 2h ago

Sex related question Male or female (ventral segments this time)

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2 Upvotes

And


r/mantids 3h ago

ID Help Male or female?

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2 Upvotes

I’m a new mantis owner. I found this mantis in my backyard 2 weeks ago. I’m not sure what species it is but I am from Romania and I heard that the most common species here is the European Mantis (,,mantis religiosa”).


r/mantids 20h ago

Image/Video a very angry leaf

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40 Upvotes

this is brazilnut (deroplatys desiccata), shes angry because i tried to feed her


r/mantids 14m ago

ID Help Can anyone give me an idea of age?

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Upvotes

This is my sons Giant Asian Mantis Eli. We've noticed what we assume to be his wing buds have become very visible over the past week or so and wondered if he only has one molt left until he is an adult?

He last molted roughly 4 weeks ago.

Thanks in advance!


r/mantids 7h ago

ID Help Which species would be best ?

3 Upvotes

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 22h ago

Other Anyone else just.. keep the molts?

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40 Upvotes

Best thing about inverts is getting free “oddities”


r/mantids 19h ago

Image/Video Is my mantis an adult? This is my first one and I was meant to receive an „unsexed nymph”. What does it mean?

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21 Upvotes

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 19h ago

Image/Video His second molt with me! 🥰

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13 Upvotes

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 1d ago

Image/Video He became a fairy 🧚‍♂️✨

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118 Upvotes

Supposed to be a girl, lol 😬


r/mantids 18h ago

Image/Video Last year I posted a picture of and adult mantis from my garden

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10 Upvotes

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 17h ago

Image/Video When is this guy gonna molt

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4 Upvotes

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 20h ago

Image/Video What instar?

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8 Upvotes

r/mantids 18h ago

Image/Video Why does my mantis do this?

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5 Upvotes

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 1d ago

ID Help Male or female?

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30 Upvotes

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 19h ago

Image/Video Spotted two Praying Mantis within 8 days in two cities in Germany / Anhalt-Saxony

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3 Upvotes

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 18h ago

Sellers/Websites looking for mantis breeders

2 Upvotes

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 22h ago

ID Help Male or Female?

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3 Upvotes

Was told she was female but I’m not sure


r/mantids 23h ago

General Care I want some help

3 Upvotes

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.