Mantids??

[Skink Keeper]

I was just wondering what people thought of mantids as pets? I've wanted one for a long time but i havn't been able to find one and i wanted to know how they were as pets, so let me know of your experiences. Thanks :confused:

[Beejay]

http://www.earthlife.net/insects/mantids.html

I have one that I found on my front door. I haven't counted segments yet...I'm about to upgrade it from the critter keeper...I think it's been eating the crickets I've been feeding it...and drinking from the soaked sponge.

I'll let you know later on what I think of it, since I've never had one before!

Good luck,
Bj

[Wuntu Menny]

I love them. They can be a little ferocious if you're not careful, but they're interesting critters. Most don't have a life expectancy beyond a year though. I usually get the chinese giants (Tenodera aridifolia), they are the largest sp I'm aware of. As well, they are well suited to Cdn seasons as they originated from similar latitudes.

WM

[Skink Keeper]

cool. Thanks for the info.

[reverendsterlin]

I have only bought 1, a chinese back when lol, but occassionally get one wild. never had a feeding problem, and often get oolaths(sp?) in the fall. I think they are great interesting pets.

[reptilesalonica]

I had 1.3.90 Sphodromantis lineola and 1 month ago i sold all the babies. They are very efficient predators and very interesting to see them hunting for their prey.
Here are some photos of my adults, oothecas and hatchlings...
First shot is my biggest female.
~Greg~

[reptilesalonica]

here are the two oothecas from two different females...

[reptilesalonica]

...and here, after about 20-30 days, are the hatchlings. Both produced close to 500 babies.

[reptilesalonica]

Here another one...

[SteveG]

ditto to that john!!!

[Bartman]

wow thats incredible pics. How did you move around all the babies?