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)

415 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

​

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

Thumbnail
imgur.com
63 Upvotes

r/mantids • • 12h ago

Image/Video Some macro photos of my pet mantises

Thumbnail
gallery
123 Upvotes

All species include
Deroplatys gorochovi
Pseudocreobotra wahlbergi
Phyllocrania paradoxa
Hymenopus coronatus


r/mantids • • 4h ago

Image/Video abdomen squirming around

7 Upvotes

hi guys! my Australian mantis is about 7 months old now, shes been in her final stage for 3 months or so now. she's been very active but losing her grip and she fell earlier eating food while trying to grip onto a plant i have.

she hasnt laid her eggs yet so thats what im guessing this is, but is something wrong? or is she just slowly dying


r/mantids • • 9h ago

Health Issues Eye issue?

Post image
5 Upvotes

There's this weird ring in his eye and it wasn't there before this is my first time owning a mantis. Is there anything that I could have done wrong? I did get him from an orb weaver web so im wondering if that had anything to do with it? And is there anything i can do to help this he has seemed a off since it showed up a few days ago

Sorry for the rant or if I did anything wrong im just really worried :[


r/mantids • • 1h ago

Sellers/Websites Buying a mantis

• Upvotes

So i've been trying to buy a mantis as my enclosure is now finished but I can't find a single store selling them what should i do?


r/mantids • • 5h ago

Health Issues What is this bulging on the side of her abdomen?

Post image
2 Upvotes

r/mantids • • 9h ago

Image/Video Female Stenophylla lobivertex changed color to match her environment upon her last molt.

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

r/mantids • • 12h ago

General Care New spiny mantis mom really worried

Thumbnail
gallery
7 Upvotes

Recently got my first mantis! She is a spiny girl! I have a few concerns. 1 being her abdomen turned white. I fed her 3 fruit flies yesterday. And she ate them. She moving slowly. I’m having a really hard time keeping the temp above 75 (I have a heat Emitter bulb) I am not sure if I should move it down I have a picture of where it is now for reference! My other thing is if this is pre molt behavior she is in the corner should I move her?
I am super nervous because I have never owned a mantis!!!
Would love some tips and if u see anything wrong please let me know. I am open to any advice


r/mantids • • 13h ago

Health Issues Dark blotches?

Thumbnail
gallery
9 Upvotes

Are these concerning?


r/mantids • • 11h ago

Memes/Humor British Police Arrest Praying Mantis For Public Prayer

Thumbnail
babylonbee.com
6 Upvotes

r/mantids • • 10h ago

Image/Video Mantis foreleg turning black?

Post image
3 Upvotes

It appears my mantis’s foreleg is turning black. She is a fully grown giant Asian mantis who I’ve had for about 6 months (bought full grown). She has already lost a leg but has been adjusting just fine (see my previous post for more details). Does she have some sort of infection or is it okay? I’m assuming she might just eat it off if it gets to that point.


r/mantids • • 10h ago

Health Issues Brown liquid

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

hi! i just came home and there is weird brown lines on fhe mesh of my orchids enclosure. Is it regurgitated food of is it feces? She had a pretty big meal a couple days ago and ate a whole blue bottle caster, she’s only i4. Can anyone tell me what this is please? thank you


r/mantids • • 8h ago

Other my mantis wont eat

1 Upvotes

I have just gotten my mantis recently, and the same evening we put her in the enclosure she molted and hasn’t eaten since Sunday! I am a bit worried, Ive been offering food as well as leaving food in the enclosure while i am home and around to watch her, yet she wont eat- i am not sure on what i could even do at this point 😭


r/mantids • • 12h ago

Feeding Is she full ?

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

I am a completely new to mantis keeping and just bought Hierodula membranacea and I am wondering how do I know if she is well fed or am I overfeeding (She is in her Lv.5 state)


r/mantids • • 9h ago

General Care Adult Spiny Flower Mantis Left Alone for 3 Days

1 Upvotes

I’m going on a weekend trip starting Thursday morning and will get back Saturday night. If I feed and mist my mantis right before I leave will he be ok until Saturday? I have a friend who could give him a spritz but I figured I wouldn’t bother if he’ll be ok without it until I get back. I’ve always consistently sprayed and offered water on a q-tip daily so I’m not sure.


r/mantids • • 11h ago

Feeding fruit flies mold

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/mantids • • 1d ago

Health Issues Is it possible to fix this?

Thumbnail
gallery
69 Upvotes

My mantis hasn’t fully stretched out her wings and she moulted a few days ago. I know this can happen but is there any way to help her fix it?


r/mantids • • 1d ago

Health Issues Uova senza oteca??

21 Upvotes

Cosa diavolo sta succedendo?

A qualcuno è mai capitato di vedere una cosa del genere? Sono molto preoccupata per la sua salute…


r/mantids • • 1d ago

Health Issues Help please!!!

Post image
8 Upvotes

I thought that my girl had already had her final molt since she had her wings, but it looks like she’s currently trying to molt. I found her hanging by one leg and I want to know if there’s anything I can do to help her right now. Her humidity had dropped pretty low without me noticing.

For reference her wings were deformed after her last molt but she’s been getting around just fine.

She has not wanted to eat the last few days which was weird, it was pre-molt behavior but again, didn’t think she’d molt again.

I’ve put a heat lamp towards her and been giving her water on a qtip. She is a little more alert but still just hanging out.
Any advice is appreciated! But I understand I may need to let her go.


r/mantids • • 1d ago

Image/Video how do you make your mantids pose for photos?

Post image
12 Upvotes

meet my baby watermelon, he sees the camera and wants to climb it immediately. not everyone is photogenic ig..🫣


r/mantids • • 1d ago

Enclosure Advice Recommended mantis enclosures?

1 Upvotes

Hello!! i plan on getting a praying mantis in the future and im wondering, where do you guys get your enclosures? do you add the mesh top yourselves? do you DIY the entire thing?? tips for mantis care is also appreciated!! along with beginner friendly mantis species uhh plants OKAY SORRY IM ASKING FOR TOO MUCH!! (P.S im not planning on buying them within like a week, ill re-consider getting one when im older and more responsible^^)


r/mantids • • 1d ago

Image/Video Asian Bark Mantis - Theopompa servillei

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

L4/ L5 now doing really well, 2 moults with me now, just posting just beautiful I’ve not seen this species posted anywhere here before!!


r/mantids • • 1d ago

Enclosure Advice How big should I 3D print my first diy mantis enclosure?

Post image
1 Upvotes

For reference I’m hoping to get an i2 Prohierodula Picta (joker mantis) and an i2 ghost mantis (I have experience with higher care beetles and other inverts and got a good care walkthrough from Malama for the joker mantis)

Just wondering since I’ve owned one Asian mantis in the past, but used a premade enclosure, about how many millimeters in size I should print my enclosure design for either species. Thanks!


r/mantids • • 1d ago

General Care New ghost mantis not moving

Post image
3 Upvotes

I’m new to mantis keeping and got this little guy a couple of days ago. He has been sat in the back corner of his enclosure the whole time not moving much, refusing fruit flies and i’m not sure if he’s drank anything. I think he might be getting ready to molt, but his abdomen doesn’t look too large so i am not sure what to do?