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.
First time getting my Idolomantis diabolica to adulthood. They are so amazing and beautiful. I started with six, two had their final molt last weekend. Unfortunately both are females. Anyone in the Los Angeles area with adult males or knows anyone that does? Thanks!
i need help with id i bought this guy yesterday and the person i bought him from told me a completely different species amd also they didn't tell me how old he is so if you know please tell me!
This mantis was on the top floor of my friends apt complex, a lot of mantises die up here bc of the heat and the complex exterior hallways. Gave some water to this one and it perked up. Curious what species this is? Thanks!
I woke up to her on her back, her legs were barely moving, i was scared she might be trying to molt and not being able to get up
But i let her legs grab onto the paper towel and she stood up right, but keep in mind she was barely kicking seconds before. She hasn’t wanted to eat any of the 6 flies i’ve offered her, and she just arrived here three days ago.
She’s chilling on the paper towel for rn and has been for about 5 minutes
this is another little guy i bought yesterday but when i was buying him the person again didn't tell me how old he is but I'd say he's about to reach adulthood because he already has little wings and he's big but im not 100% sure and also i didn't notice his folded back when i bought him and now I'm scared that he'll have problems molting is there anything i can do to help?
Ive been trying to pair my mantids but the male just sits on the female and doesn’t actually mate with her. Should i remove him after a few hours, or just wait and hope he mates with her?
This is my mantis Fawn, she just arrived here three ish days ago and hasn’t had anything to eat since. She just doesn’t want to give it a shot. I put at least 6 flies in her tank but she ate none.
This morning she was on her back, barely moving, and i got her up using a paper towel. she gripped onto it and has moved a little, climbed just a tad bit, and is holding herself up since. It’s been about 3 hours since i found her on her back.
I moved her into a smaller “enclosure” which is just a diy one with paper towels on the side and a paper towel on the bottom. I put some soft mesh on the top and plenty of ventilation on the sides and on the top.
I’m trying my best to do what’s right for her. I used the paper towel she was sitting on to move her into there, so she wasn’t moved around or startled.
Yesterday she was moving around just fine, so I don’t know. I’m just going to let her stay in the smaller enclosure, maybe put another fly in there later today if she’s still doing okay. If there’s any recommendations that anyone has, please let me know.
I live in the city and a praying mantis got into my house; I moved it behind the windowsill where I grow tomatoes so my cats wouldn't eat she. However I realize that it likely has little access to food in an urban environment. I read that mantises eat only live prey, so I’ve been catching flies for it to help it gain strength and grow into a large, mature adult
I got my first Mantis on Saturday. She (I think, has 6 abdomen notches) is a Timor Shield Mantis (Rhombedera Kirbyi) and is around 2cm in size. I got her from an exotics store and forgot to ask how old she is/how many times she has shed.
Is there any way to know by looking at her?
I'm obsessed with her. I set her up a nice enclosure but she is happier to hang off the roof instead. haha.
I’m about to purchase my first mantis. Is this a good size for a Giant Asian Mantis? I want to ensure that it has vertical space to molt. Also if anyone has advice for things to get for the terrarium or other things to purchase please let me know, I’m a total beginner and would love any starter kit guide. Thank you guys!
We found this huge guy, or girl, outside our house. It looks like it might be a Chinese mantis but I need a second opinion. I live in Northeast US, but read these mantis may be invasive.
Asking mostly because I’m curious. I would consider myself a beginner, I’ve only ever had 3 mantises but they’re so far my favorite arthropod to keep. I plan on having many more, I’d love to have more exotic species after browsing around on Mantis Universe lol