Praying Mantis

[Dementeddoll]

I’m so excited. My lead at work found this lil dude on the huge rolls of paper we feed the machines. My guess is it was too cold outside and since the machines are super hot somehow it made its way inside the plant. So I got home and luckily I had a spare container and here it is. Also I’ve never kept a praying mantis before. I did some research and hope this set up is ok for now while I can get it a bigger enclosure. Any advice or feedback is definitely welcome and thank you in advance.

 

[jbooth]

Looks like it's about to molt. Never had one either but I know they hang like that.

 

[Dementeddoll]

Looks like it's about to molt. Never had one either but I know they hang like that.

I was reading that. It was kinda feisty when I was moving it but I had no choice because it was in a styrofoam cup. I just wanted to put it somewhere decent before I went to bed. It’s since stayed in that position as well. I would’ve thought it would move upright. It hasn’t though. Bummer thought they live very short lives. Says anywhere from 4-6 months and very rarely 2 years tops in captivity.

 

[SpidersAreBeautiful]

Unfortunately, it's looks like your praying mantis is in its last molt, meaning it will probably die soon (it has wings). If you would like a more long lasting one, get a nymph. Feel free to ask questions if you need anymore help

 

[Dementeddoll]

Unfortunately, it's looks like your praying mantis is in its last molt, meaning it will probably die soon (it has wings). If you would like a more long lasting one, get a nymph. Feel free to ask questions if you need anymore help

Noooo I was excited. And where can I get a nymph? I’ve looked around online and can never seem to find any?

 

[me and my Ts]

Looks very fat, might be about to put down an ootheca?

 

[SpidersAreBeautiful]

Sometimes you can buy oothecaes

 

[Dementeddoll]

I’m just gonna eat it on a skewer ahah just kidding So much excitement for nothing. I’ve found little babies outside my house before but I have always been a little scared keeping them.

 

[jbooth]

Hopefully it will drop an ootheca... then the problem is solved lol

 

[Dementeddoll]

Hopefully it will drop an ootheca... then the problem is solved lol

Hmm, I wonder. How many babies do they usually drop?
I checked up on it rn still hanging upside down.

 

[SpidersAreBeautiful]

Quite a few. I mean like hundreds...

 

[Dementeddoll]

Quite a few. I mean like hundreds...

Oh my, well it’s no longer hanging upside down. Wait never mind it was walking around and now it’s hanging upside down again.

 

[SpidersAreBeautiful]

Good luck anyway.

 

[CutThroat Kid]

Old mantis. Wont last too long as ohters have said. No reason not to keep her comfortable until her end though! She may take a few meals from you. She'll likely continue to eat until she can't hold onto prey anymore from weakness, then she'll pass shortly after.

 

[Dementeddoll]

Old mantis. Wont last too long as ohters have said. No reason not to keep her comfortable until her end though! She may take a few meals from you. She'll likely continue to eat until she can't hold onto prey anymore from weakness, then she'll pass shortly after.

Yeah I will definitely make it more comfortable with me. Give her a nice resting place.

 

[Dementeddoll]

I let it get comfortable in the enclosure I have it in and it took a dubia easily.

 

[Andrea82]

It doesn't matter much for this mantis since she's not going to moult again but generally you want to offer them an enclosure that is at least two times their size in height. These creatures thrive with space and keeping them too small can lead to issues with moulting.

Hanging upside down is their favorite position.

Fairly good careguides are available Here
and here

 

[Dementeddoll]

Thank

It doesn't matter much for this mantis since she's not going to moult again but generally you want to offer them an enclosure that is at least two times their size in height. These creatures thrive with space and keeping them too small can lead to issues with moulting.

Hanging upside down is their favorite position.

Fairly good careguides are available Here
and here

Thank you

 

[Isopods others]

Imagine living a place with such delightful creatures, you are very lucky!, could anyone tell me it's species?

 

[Dementeddoll]

Imagine living a place with such delightful creatures, you are very lucky!, could anyone tell me it's species?

I’m afraid it passed away. Like other members here said it didn’t have much left. At least it ate big meals before it passed.