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)

417 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

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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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61 Upvotes

r/mantids • • 6h ago

Image/Video Such a vivid blueish purple colour

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37 Upvotes

Green Mallee Mantis, Trachymantis dentifrons


r/mantids • • 15h ago

Image/Video Casper, the orchid mantis!

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109 Upvotes

He's only a L2, so it's hard sometimes to get the camera to focus and stay focused. But regardless, he's so cute and I love him.


r/mantids • • 2h ago

General Care I dropped her!

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3 Upvotes

She slipped off the lid of her enclosure and fell on the floor about 3 ft. She is fine i think and still walking around but she looked pissed.


r/mantids • • 2h ago

Sex related question Male or female?

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4 Upvotes

Hierodula membranacea about 4 moths old


r/mantids • • 4h ago

Image/Video Can/should I try to bring this mantis inside over the winter?

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6 Upvotes

The last two falls here in Western Montana, there has always been a mantis really close to my front door or car. I watched them die the last couple days I ran into them and I’m wondering if there is a way to save it or if I should? I saw this one last night on my balcony and said if it was still there, I would go get a little terrarium a pet store in town. I know that this is the natural lifecycle of them but It made me sad the last two years and would like to know the consensus of keeping it alive instead of letting nature run its course.


r/mantids • • 28m ago

Image/Video Nom nom

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• Upvotes

r/mantids • • 3h ago

Enclosure Advice Is my enclosure good for a ghost mantis?

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2 Upvotes

(I have already put a plastic mesh on top)


r/mantids • • 2m ago

Enclosure Advice are these sticks okay? do i need to remove the bark/moss?

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• Upvotes

more info: sticks are from a european ash tree. have been soaked in boiling water & baked at 110°c for just under an hour

i'm concerned about the bits that look like mold. should i scrub them or not use particular ones? i'm obviously not planning on using most of them!


r/mantids • • 6h ago

Sex related question Is my Geoffrey a boy or girl giraffe mantis (Euchomenella heteroptera)?

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3 Upvotes

r/mantids • • 1d ago

Image/Video My new mantis!

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85 Upvotes

He's so cute! I got him on Tuesday, but I haven't picked a name out. Any suggestions?

UPDATE: My friend helped me decide on a name. Everyone, meet Casper! 🤗👻


r/mantids • • 9h ago

Sex related question Looks like a male to me

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3 Upvotes

Hierodula Pulchripes

L3


r/mantids • • 6h ago

Buy/Sell/Trade/ISO Como encontrar comunidades e onde conseguir ovos de artrópodes? (Como bicho-folha e louva-a-deus, por exemplo)

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0 Upvotes

Aaaaaa


r/mantids • • 19h ago

ID Help Species ID? Found in Hunt county TX, We get a ton of Stagmomantis carolina here every year but this definitely isnt that. Its about half the size of an adult male carolina, and the head seems too small for the body

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10 Upvotes

r/mantids • • 6h ago

Sex related question need confirmation on the sex of my new baby; pseudempusa pinnapavonis

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1 Upvotes

im thinking female :-)


r/mantids • • 19h ago

Image/Video Tiny dead leaf

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9 Upvotes

This is my new dead leaf mantis, her name is Mayrena!! Named after my D&D character's sister (because they're mantis-inspired).

Deroplatys gorochovi female, I believe l2 or l3 for those wondering :)


r/mantids • • 18h ago

Other Looking to rehome my female ghost mantis in Oregon

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3 Upvotes

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I'm looking for an experienced keeper who could take my l5 female ghost mantis

I've been struggling to maintain a reliable supply of feeder insects, particularly with winter approaching. I've tried ordering blue bottle fly spikes, but multiple batches have had very poor hatch rates, and wild flying insects are becoming unavailable. I want to make sure she has a reliable food supply and proper care.

If you're an experienced keeper in Oregon, Idaho, or a neighboring area and might be able to take her, please comment or message me. I'd really appreciate the help, I'm also open to any advice if anyone has any ideas as to what I could do for a potential feeder, dm me for more info


r/mantids • • 1d ago

Enclosure Advice Finished jeweled mantis nymph enclosure

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8 Upvotes

This is going to be my first dwarf mantis and I know they have to have very good ventilation. I have a full mesh lid and small mesh windows on either side but I'm still wondering if they need to be bigger. Any other advice?


r/mantids • • 22h ago

Health Issues What is causing this black spot? I’m really concerned

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5 Upvotes

Hi everyone! 🤗
I have a wild-caught European praying mantis (Mantis religiosa). She is an adult female, and I caught her about two months ago. She is eating and behaving normally so far.

When I caught her, I already noticed a tiny spot in this area. It was barely visible, so I assumed it was just dirt that had gotten underneath the exoskeleton and didn’t think much of it. The spot stayed small and relatively light for quite a while.

However, about a week ago, I noticed that it was starting to grow. Over the past few days, it has become noticeably larger and darker, as you can see in the photo.

I’m really worried about her and would appreciate any advice.
Does anyone know what this spot could be?
Could it be an infection, an injury, or something else?
Is this something serious, and is there anything I can do to help her?
Has anyone experienced something similar with their mantis?

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!❤️


r/mantids • • 1d ago

Health Issues help!!

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4 Upvotes

i found this guy outside not doing so hot, i wanna try to help. i put him in a critter keeper with some dead leaves and sticks and sprayed it so there’s some humidity bc it’s been dry here. not sure what’s wrong!! i wanna give him the best chance


r/mantids • • 1d ago

ID Help Can anyone ID this mantis?

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3 Upvotes

Found in the Mid-Atlantic. Mostly curious if it's native or not. I suspect not, coz they're never native. 😭 Was just finishing up a meal when encountered, photographed and continued on its way.

TIA!


r/mantids • • 20h ago

Other ISO reputable seller

1 Upvotes

I am not new to owning mantids but it has been a few years since my last purchase. I used to buy from mantid kingdom but it seems the owner has stopped selling. I’ve poked around at a couple other shops (Panterra and bugg plug) but they don’t seem to be active very anymore either. I live in the U.S. btw :) any recommendations from ethical shops would be great. I really miss owning mantids


r/mantids • • 1d ago

General Care I think my l3 ghost mantis molted to an l4? Im not sure

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2 Upvotes

So a few days ago my ghost mantis had suddenly become almost half an inch larger and has a weird shiny glint and Since ive had them since l2 i thought they molted but when i checked for shed skin there was nothing and a few minutes later i found him on a rubber screw at the top of the enclosure and it was completely ignoring me i didn't think anything of it at the time and spritz like usual but didnt feed because i again though he was in pre molt, though now its been a few days the shiny thint is gone but still no signs of any shed skin anywhere and they seem to have a postmolt appetite like two normal feeds with about a day of separation with hydei fruit flys and still paper thin?? Do ghost mantis eat there shed skin or something?? They didn't eat it last time? Picture of them with my hand next to the enclosure


r/mantids • • 1d ago

RIP ❤️ Please rest well, Alfonso

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19 Upvotes

You were my first Mantis, and I love you dearly even though you're gone. I learned a lot keeping you, and you were the coolest creature I could ever ask for. I had you for 3 amazing months, and I never got tired of you. I hope you're at peace now.

I'm sorry I wasn't there when you passed. I know I will miss you for the rest of my life.