r/mantids • u/Clay-Roses • 8h ago
Memes/Humor VERY scary
I made this video a while ago and never thought to post it here, so here’s fae my i3 orchid mantis 🩷🥹
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/Clay-Roses • 8h ago
I made this video a while ago and never thought to post it here, so here’s fae my i3 orchid mantis 🩷🥹
r/mantids • u/Ok_Preparation1742 • 7h ago
My beautiful Jet Pack passed away of old age today. Her birthday is November 1st. She unfortunately did not make it til then. She was a big, beautiful, sassy bug. She's the first mantis I raised from baby to adulthood. I've learned a lot and am grateful I was able to call her a friend. She will be very missed. Rest easy JP ❤️
r/mantids • u/Kirstayyy • 11h ago
My first mantis is still going strong, always thankful to the people who helped me on this page when I was starting out with him 🖤 Mr Maserati has been a lovely dream, got me through the brutal wake up call of having my own house 🥹
Happy 3rd month of being a big boy Mr Mas!
r/mantids • u/snortnoises • 5h ago
I came to check on my mantis babies when I seen one of them got ahold of a bug, I think it must’ve gotten in the enclosure yesterday without me seeing- I was hanging out with them outside, but now I’m a little worried, will it be okay?? I’ve read some things about outside bugs
This bug was small and beetle like?
r/mantids • u/Malibujv • 9h ago
r/mantids • u/Savedbythegel • 6h ago
I am assuming she is a female, but I wanted to double check with the experts. Thank you in advance!
r/mantids • u/Far-Association9706 • 15h ago
I’m going to miss you staring at me on my desk, you were the most friendliest mantis I could ever ask for.
My room is going to be so empty without you. No other mantis could ever replace you. You always cheered me up on my worst days.
I hope you sleep well and fly free my little wisp ❤️
r/mantids • u/Middle_Funny_8461 • 13h ago
Pretty sure I ID'ed her(?) correctly! I found this little one outside with an injured arm (she cannot open it, which inhibits her climbing and eating as far as I can see), not entirely sure how old she is or what the sex is. Should I hold onto her, at least temporarily, or keep her or is that wrong? Also if anyone can age/sex her lmk :)
r/mantids • u/Psychological_Boat_1 • 17h ago
I’m new to the bug hobby and recently caugut this beautiful large Chinese Mantis, but he isn’t moving much, his abdomen looks flat, and something is odd about the end of his abdomen. dunno if it’s a parasite or just a cut open wound.
He is barely moving. to the point where I’ve put him on his back like this and all he does is gently sway his legs.
please help
r/mantids • u/doubtfullfreckles • 17h ago
I love that I got to see it cleaning it's arms 🥺
r/mantids • u/mantisgirI • 8h ago
First picture is from when I first found her and the second is from today while she was molting (which was successful)
So insanely cool to watch
r/mantids • u/Miserable-Crew-5308 • 1d ago
Edit to add: better quality video in comments. Idk what happened and don't want to remake the post.
Not a confirmed female, just having fun.
This took me SO LONG.
r/mantids • u/Outrageous_Gap_2011 • 9h ago
dm me if interested (US)
r/mantids • u/Augthedoggie • 15h ago
If anybody can help me understand whats happening I would really appriciate it My ghost mantis (L3-L4??) Is worrying me a little bit.
Yesterday I took her out of her tank to feed her (she hasnt eaten in 2 days so I assumed she was hungry) and she didnt seem very interested in eating so i took her inside and let her drink water she got a big drink in and then wqs crawling around on my hands for about 15 Minutes. I look over at her sitting on my hand and her arms are no longer in the praying position like they normally are instead they are spread out, People told me this was her defence get away from me pose so i tried to get her to go back on the stick and get into her tank to leave her be. She was acting like her front arms are no longer working and shes acting super stiff eventually I got her on the Stick and gave her tank a good spray and figured she would just calm down. It has now been almost 24 Hours she hasnt moved at all other than slight barely noticable abdomen wiggle when I sprayed her tank this morning to get the humidity back up. Other than that shes not reacting to anything not me walking past the tank or looking at her like normal her antenne arnt wiggling like normal so I am very worried. Google isnt helping me much either So i thought I would see if any other mantis keepers have seen this before
r/mantids • u/CharisSem123 • 14h ago
So, im going to get my first mantis this week and I have decided that I am getting a ghost one. Could I also put king panda isopods in it? I have an 20x20x30 terrarium btw. Thanks!
r/mantids • u/rmom698 • 23h ago
Shes gone from i5 to i6.. but now im even doubting shes a female? are those wings or what are they.. or is she just drying herself out so the wingbuds are drying
r/mantids • u/NY0000000M • 1d ago
If you guys could give an ID I’d also greatly appreciate it. Located in Southern CA
r/mantids • u/Master-Pineapple9557 • 1d ago
Ella es Jade, es mi primera mantis y ayer tuvo su primera o segunda muda y creo que se cayó durante esta. La encontré atorada en su ecdisis de sus patas traseras y se le doblaron bastante, ya no puede caminar muy bien. No me preocupé demasiado por qué si aún podía comer era cuestión de esperar a sus próximas mudas. Pero hoy que ya pasaron 24 horas desde la muda, no caza, intentó algunas veces pero me parece que también tiene dobladas sus patas raptoras. Intento acercarle las moscas vivas medio atontadas pero ahora ya ni intenta atraparlas. Vi en algunos vídeos que la gente le arranca las patas que les salen mal por qué les estorban (no se si esto podría ser una solución a por lo menos las traseras).He estado viendo y también se intenta quitar una de las patas dobladas o por lo menos veo que la jala. De todas formas me preocupa mucho por que a este paso va a morir :(
Si alguien sabe algo que pueda hacer se los agradecería mucho.
(es una stagmomantis limbata)
Estuve leyendo y el color oscuro en sus patas y en su abdomen pueden significar que se está pudriendo, esto es verdad? se puede identificar eso con la foto que subí?. Investigué y al parecer no sienten dolor, entonces tal vez solo deje que la naturaleza haga lo suyo e intentaré alimentarla mañana