Praying mantis care

[KungMantis]

Hey!

Im very new to keeping a praying mantis, i just got mine on monday.
He is a Green african mantis and very friendly, i am amazed how much he behaves like a small cat, hehe. Anyways I was wondering, is it normal for him to spend most of his time hanging from the roof? or does this mean the floor temperature is to high(he does occasionally take a walk along the floor)? At the moment the tank is currently at about 71 f which i am told is normal.

On the another note, what can i call him? lol .

Thanks Harry

 

[Alex S.]

The temperature is fine and it is very normal for mantids to perch upside-down on the lid of the enclosure. If you have not already, it would be good to offer other vertical objects for the mantid to perch on and hunt from as well.

Alex S.

 

[KungMantis]

Thanks for ur help, much appriciated.
I have got 2 small potted plants in there and some vertical perching sticks, but he doesnt seem to like to use them. Should i hang them from the small vents at the top of the cage? and when i feed him should i just put his locust on the floor so they will run about freely, and he can get it when he pleases?

Thanks Harry

 

[Alex S.]

The current terrarium set-up will work well as it allows for prey items to crawl up the plants and sticks towards the lid so the mantis can seize them easier. You can also occasionally feed the mantis using forceps.

Alex S.