Keeping a Praying Mantis as a Pet: A Complete Guide

Praying mantises are fascinating and unique creatures that can make surprisingly engaging pets. Their striking appearance, intriguing hunting behavior, and relatively simple care requirements make them a popular choice for insect enthusiasts of all ages. However, like any pet, keeping a praying mantis healthy and happy requires understanding their needs and providing them with the appropriate environment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of keeping a praying mantis as a pet, from choosing the right species to feeding and handling.

## Why Choose a Praying Mantis as a Pet?

Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand the appeal of keeping a praying mantis as a pet. Here are some key reasons:

* **Unique and Fascinating:** Praying mantises are visually stunning insects with a captivating hunting style. Observing them stalk and capture prey is a truly mesmerizing experience.
* **Relatively Low Maintenance:** Compared to many other pets, praying mantises require minimal care. Their enclosures are small, and their feeding schedule is relatively infrequent.
* **Educational:** Keeping a praying mantis can be a great way to learn about insect biology, behavior, and ecology.
* **Quiet and Clean:** Praying mantises are silent creatures that don’t produce much waste, making them ideal pets for apartment dwellers or anyone sensitive to noise and odors.
* **Short Lifespan:** While this might seem like a drawback, the relatively short lifespan of a praying mantis (typically around a year) can be a good option for people who aren’t ready for a long-term commitment.

## Choosing the Right Praying Mantis Species

There are over 2,000 species of praying mantises worldwide, but only a few are commonly kept as pets. Here are some of the most popular and readily available species:

* **Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis):** One of the largest and most common species, the Chinese mantis is a good choice for beginners. They are relatively hardy and easy to care for.
* **African Mantis (Sphodromantis lineola):** Another popular species, the African mantis is known for its bright green color and active hunting behavior.
* **Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa):** This species is named for its remarkable camouflage, which resembles a dead leaf. They are a bit more delicate than the Chinese or African mantis, but their unique appearance makes them a rewarding pet.
* **Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus):** Perhaps the most beautiful and sought-after species, the orchid mantis mimics the appearance of an orchid flower. They are more challenging to care for than other species, requiring specific humidity and temperature levels.
* **Carolina Mantis (Stagmomantis carolina):** Native to the southeastern United States, the Carolina mantis is a smaller species that is relatively easy to care for. They are typically brown or gray in color.

When choosing a species, consider your experience level and the availability of information and resources. Beginner keepers should stick to hardier and more common species like the Chinese or African mantis.

## Setting Up the Praying Mantis Habitat

The habitat is crucial for a praying mantis’s well-being. Here’s how to create the perfect environment:

* **Enclosure Size:** The enclosure should be at least three times the mantis’s length in height and twice its length in width. A good starting size for a juvenile mantis is a small plastic container (e.g., a deli container or a cricket keeper). As the mantis grows, you’ll need to upgrade to a larger enclosure, such as a mesh cage or a glass terrarium. For adult mantises, a mesh enclosure of at least 8x8x12 inches is recommended. Taller enclosures are better than wider ones, as mantises need space to molt.
* **Enclosure Type:** Mesh enclosures are ideal for providing ventilation and allowing the mantis to grip the sides. Glass or plastic enclosures can also be used, but you’ll need to ensure adequate ventilation by adding a mesh lid or drilling ventilation holes. Avoid enclosures with small holes that could trap the mantis’s feet.
* **Substrate:** The substrate is the material that lines the bottom of the enclosure. It helps to maintain humidity and provides a surface for cleanup. Suitable substrates include:
* **Paper Towels:** Easy to clean and replace, paper towels are a good option for beginners.
* **Coco Fiber:** Holds moisture well and provides a natural-looking substrate.
* **Peat Moss:** Similar to coco fiber, peat moss is another good option for maintaining humidity.
* **Vermiculite:** Helps to retain moisture and prevent mold growth.
* **Avoid using:** Soil from your backyard (it may contain pesticides or parasites). Sand is not a good choice, as it can dry out the enclosure too quickly and can irritate the mantis. Gravel is also not recommended, as it is difficult to clean.
* **Decor:** Praying mantises need branches, twigs, or artificial plants to climb on and perch. These decorations provide a sense of security and allow the mantis to properly molt. Make sure the decorations are non-toxic and free of sharp edges. You can collect twigs and branches from your backyard, but be sure to sterilize them by baking them in the oven at 250°F for 30 minutes to kill any potential pests or parasites. Artificial plants are a good alternative, as they are easy to clean and maintain.
* **Humidity:** Praying mantises require a certain level of humidity to thrive. The ideal humidity level varies depending on the species, but generally falls between 50% and 70%. You can maintain humidity by misting the enclosure with water once or twice a day. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level. If the enclosure is too dry, mist it more frequently or add a shallow water dish. If the enclosure is too humid, increase ventilation by opening the lid or adding more ventilation holes.
* **Temperature:** Praying mantises prefer temperatures between 70°F and 80°F. Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can cause the temperature to fluctuate too much. If the temperature is too low, you can use a heat mat placed on the side of the enclosure to provide supplemental heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the enclosure.
* **Lighting:** Praying mantises do not require special lighting. Natural ambient light is sufficient. Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight, as this can overheat the enclosure and harm the mantis.

## Feeding Your Praying Mantis

Praying mantises are carnivores and primarily eat insects. Here’s what you need to know about feeding them:

* **Food Sources:** The primary food source for praying mantises is live insects. Common food items include:
* **Fruit Flies:** Ideal for young mantises (nymphs).
* **Crickets:** A good staple food for larger mantises.
* **Flies:** House flies, blue bottle flies, and other flies can be offered as food.
* **Mealworms:** Can be offered occasionally, but they are not as nutritious as other insects.
* **Roaches:** Dubia roaches and other small roaches are a good source of protein.
* **Butterworms:** A treat food high in fat. Offer in moderation.
* **Avoid:** Wild-caught insects (they may contain pesticides or parasites). Insects that are too large for the mantis to handle.
* **Feeding Frequency:** The feeding frequency depends on the size and age of the mantis. Young nymphs should be fed every day or every other day, while adult mantises can be fed every 2-3 days. Observe the mantis’s abdomen: a plump abdomen indicates that it is well-fed, while a thin abdomen indicates that it needs to be fed more often.
* **Feeding Method:** Offer the prey insect directly to the mantis using tweezers or tongs. You can also release the prey insect into the enclosure and allow the mantis to hunt it. Remove any uneaten prey insects after a few hours to prevent them from stressing the mantis or fouling the enclosure. Some keepers disable the prey insect before feeding by crushing its head or removing its legs. This can be helpful if the mantis is having difficulty catching the prey.
* **Gut Loading:** Gut loading is the process of feeding the prey insects nutritious food before offering them to the mantis. This ensures that the mantis receives a balanced diet. You can gut load crickets with commercial cricket food, fruits, and vegetables.
* **Water:** Praying mantises obtain most of their water from their food. However, it’s important to provide them with a source of water. You can mist the enclosure with water once or twice a day, allowing the mantis to drink the droplets. You can also offer water from a shallow dish or a water-soaked cotton ball. Be sure to replace the water regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

## Molting

Molting is the process by which a praying mantis sheds its exoskeleton in order to grow. It’s a crucial part of their development, and it’s important to provide them with the right conditions to molt successfully.

* **Signs of Molting:** Before molting, a praying mantis will typically stop eating, become lethargic, and hang upside down from a branch or the lid of the enclosure. Its abdomen may also appear swollen.
* **Humidity:** Molting requires high humidity. Increase the humidity in the enclosure by misting it more frequently. Make sure the enclosure is well-ventilated to prevent mold growth.
* **Do Not Disturb:** Do not disturb the mantis while it is molting. It is a vulnerable time, and any disturbance could cause it to become injured or die. Avoid handling the mantis or cleaning the enclosure during this time.
* **Post-Molting Care:** After molting, the mantis will be soft and vulnerable. Do not handle it for at least 24 hours, as its new exoskeleton needs time to harden. Once the exoskeleton has hardened, you can resume feeding the mantis.
* **Problems with Molting:** Sometimes, mantises can have difficulty molting. This can be caused by low humidity, poor nutrition, or injury. If a mantis is having trouble molting, you can try increasing the humidity in the enclosure and gently assisting it with a damp cotton swab. However, it’s important to be very careful, as you could easily injure the mantis.

## Handling Your Praying Mantis

While praying mantises are not typically cuddly pets, they can be handled gently. Here are some tips for handling your mantis:

* **Wash Your Hands:** Always wash your hands before handling your mantis to remove any lotions, perfumes, or other substances that could be harmful.
* **Approach Slowly:** Approach the mantis slowly and gently. Avoid sudden movements that could startle it.
* **Offer Your Hand:** Offer your hand or a branch to the mantis. It may climb onto your hand or the branch on its own. Do not force it.
* **Be Gentle:** Be very gentle when handling the mantis. Avoid squeezing it or pulling on its legs or antennae.
* **Supervise Children:** Supervise children when they are handling the mantis to prevent them from injuring it.
* **Avoid Frequent Handling:** Frequent handling can stress the mantis. Limit handling to a few minutes at a time, and only handle it when necessary.
* **Observe Body Language:** Pay attention to the mantis’s body language. If it seems stressed or uncomfortable, put it back in its enclosure.

## Health Issues and Troubleshooting

While praying mantises are generally hardy creatures, they can be susceptible to certain health issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

* **Dehydration:** Signs of dehydration include lethargy, shriveled abdomen, and difficulty molting. Increase the humidity in the enclosure by misting it more frequently. Offer water from a shallow dish or a water-soaked cotton ball.
* **Malnutrition:** Signs of malnutrition include a thin abdomen, lethargy, and poor growth. Ensure that the mantis is receiving a balanced diet of live insects. Gut load the prey insects with nutritious food.
* **Parasites:** Praying mantises can be infected with parasites, such as mites or nematodes. Signs of a parasitic infection include lethargy, loss of appetite, and visible parasites on the body. Consult with a veterinarian or experienced insect keeper for treatment options.
* **Fungal Infections:** Fungal infections can occur in humid environments. Signs of a fungal infection include white or fuzzy patches on the body. Improve ventilation in the enclosure and remove any infected areas.
* **Injuries:** Praying mantises can be injured by falling or being mishandled. Signs of an injury include bleeding, limping, or difficulty moving. Provide a safe and secure enclosure with plenty of climbing surfaces. Avoid handling the mantis unnecessarily.
* **Molting Problems:** As mentioned earlier, molting problems can be caused by low humidity, poor nutrition, or injury. Increase the humidity in the enclosure and ensure that the mantis is receiving a balanced diet. If the mantis is having trouble molting, you can try gently assisting it with a damp cotton swab.

## Breeding Praying Mantises

Breeding praying mantises can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some preparation and understanding of their mating behavior.

* **Sexing Praying Mantises:** Determining the sex of a praying mantis can be difficult, especially in young nymphs. Adult males typically have longer antennae and more segments on their abdomen than females. Females are usually larger and more robust than males.
* **Finding a Mate:** The easiest way to find a mate is to purchase a male and female from a reputable breeder. You can also try to find a mate in the wild, but this can be risky, as you may not be able to identify the species correctly.
* **Introducing the Mate:** Introducing a male and female praying mantis can be tricky, as the female may attack and kill the male. To reduce the risk of cannibalism, make sure the female is well-fed before introducing the male. Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure in the evening, when she is less active. Observe them closely to ensure that the female does not attack the male. If the female becomes aggressive, separate them immediately.
* **Mating:** If the mating is successful, the male will climb onto the female’s back and deposit a sperm packet into her abdomen. The mating process can last for several hours.
* **Ootheca:** After mating, the female will lay an ootheca, which is a foamy egg case that contains dozens or hundreds of eggs. The ootheca is typically attached to a branch or the lid of the enclosure.
* **Incubation:** The ootheca needs to be incubated in a warm, humid environment. The incubation period varies depending on the species, but typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. You can incubate the ootheca in a separate container with a damp paper towel at the bottom. Mist the ootheca regularly to maintain humidity.
* **Hatching:** When the nymphs hatch, they will emerge from the ootheca and begin searching for food. Provide them with a steady supply of fruit flies or other small insects.

## Where to Buy Praying Mantises

Praying mantises can be purchased from various sources, including:

* **Pet Stores:** Some pet stores sell praying mantises, especially those that specialize in reptiles and amphibians.
* **Online Breeders:** There are many online breeders who specialize in praying mantises. This is often the best option for finding specific species or color morphs.
* **Insect Shows:** Insect shows and expos are a great place to find praying mantises and meet other enthusiasts.
* **Wild Catching:** In some areas, it may be legal to catch praying mantises in the wild. However, it’s important to identify the species correctly and ensure that you are not collecting endangered or protected species.

## Conclusion

Keeping a praying mantis as a pet can be a rewarding and educational experience. By providing them with the right environment, food, and care, you can enjoy these fascinating creatures for years to come. Remember to research the specific needs of your chosen species and always prioritize their well-being. With a little bit of effort, you can create a thriving habitat for your praying mantis and witness their amazing life cycle firsthand.