African Flower Mantids

[mantid]

I've been researching mantids an I am thinking about buying one. I really like the African flower mantids and the orchid mantids but my question is are they hard to keep and breed?

 

[Jesse607]

If you buy nymphs that are L3 or older you should be fine, they are pretty easy to take care of once they have already molted two or more times. My best advice to a new mantid keeper, is to buy older nymphs or adults and take care of them for awhile. Don't go out and spend money on an ootheca (a common mistake made by many beginners), you will just be overwhelmed and disappointed and probably turned off from the hobby.

 

[Sheldy]

I dunno Jezzy, flower mantids are a little more difficult especially seeing that they require the additional heat, ventilation and prefer flying foods. If you're going to buy your first mantis, I would advise a hierodula or sphrodomantis species, they're the easiest things going, big and eat like crazy!

 

[mantid]

Thanks,
maybe I'll try buying both species and see which works best. What about orchid mantids they look really nice but they look like they are hard to keep. If you have a heating mat, proper ventilation and flying food such as waxmoths would they do just fine? Are the babies really ahrd to rear and if I live in Canada are there any good dealers that ship here that have the more exotic species such as African flowers and orchids. Thanks

Sorry for all of the questions but Im a beginner at this and don't really know alot yet.

 

[Jesse607]

I dunno Jezzy, flower mantids are a little more difficult especially seeing that they require the additional heat, ventilation and prefer flying foods. If you're going to buy your first mantis, I would advise a hierodula or sphrodomantis species, they're the easiest things going, big and eat like crazy!

I guess I was assuming he read up on their needs and basic care, I was just reccommending that he start with older nymphs, but yes you are correct, the other mantids you listed are a much better choice to start out with.

 

[mantid]

Ok thanks guys.

 

[mantid]

Do you guys know of a dealer that ships to Canada?
Thanks.