Releasing a wild mantis that I kept in captivity for a few days - is it ''safe'' ?

[Crocodylidae]

Hello,

About four days ago, we found a wild mantis (adult, as she have wings) outside on the road. They are very rare to see in my area and the first time I see a wild one in my life, so I kept it for one night in a large terrarium to feed and observe it. I wanted to release it after this one night, but during the first night, the mantis laid eggs (I'll make a post asking something about that later) so I was afraid to bother it incase it wasn't right to throw her outside after laying eggs.

So then the second day happened, and I kind of forgot to release her. I also fed her a lot during these four days, I'd say about six mealworms (it's relevant to what I'll ask).

So I was wondering, would it be safe to release her now after she spent four days in captivity, and have been fed so much? I am worried it may make her dependent like some animals, so I just want to make sure before putting her back outside. I do think it's better for her as she was wild to live her life free.

Other question: I didn't realize until now that her terrarium being next to my Blaberus Craniifer roaches terrarium was a problem, and I noticed today she have a bit of eyerub. She still hunt her mealworms fine so I guess she isn't blind, but would that also cause problems? (I have covered the roaches terrariums so she doesn't see them anymore)

Thank you for any replies!

 

[SpookySpooder]

Yes, just be sure release her in the exact area you found her and she should be fine. Or just keep her well fed as she doesn't have much left to do or long to live anyway.

Mantids aren't taught to hunt or socialize like most other animals you're thinking about. They're ready to go out of egg case, and they won't forget how to hunt because you gave them an extended vacation.

They do not live very long (1-2 years for most species) and adults only have one role left to play before dying. Since she laid, she most likely will perish soon.

Great conscience though, appreciate you.

 

[Crocodylidae]

Yes, just be sure release her in the exact area you found her and she should be fine. Or just keep her well fed as she doesn't have much left to do or long to live anyway.

Mantids aren't taught to hunt or socialize like most other animals you're thinking about. They're ready to go out of egg case, and they won't forget how to hunt because you gave them an extended vacation.

They do not live very long (1-2 years for most species) and adults only have one role left to play before dying. Since she laid, she most likely will perish soon.

Great conscience though, appreciate you.

Thank you for your reply!

Since she was found on the road next to our car, I probably won't put her at the very same spot so she doesn't get stepped on, but I will put her in a tree/bushes (not too high) near our house. Would that be ok?

I think I'd rather she spend her last days outside, as she seems to be quite active so I feel like the terrarium is too small for a mantis that moves as much as she does. (She moves more than my pets mantids did/do)

 

[SpookySpooder]

Yes, go ahead and release her near the area. She'll live out her days and return to the nutrient cycle once she passes.

Wild mantids roam, depending on the species they can travel up several miles overnight. I saw a giant Texas mantid gliding in the night once. Some stay on the same tree their whole life. Just depends on the individual/species.

 

[Tarantuland]

Let her go it’s fine. You didn’t say what kind of mantis. I’m guessing the invasive Chinese mantis anyway. The ootheca usually overwinters and hatches in spring. You can set it outside on a tree or leave it inside. It may or may not hatch at any point. If you keep it, let the babies cannibalize a few instars before seperating or they’ll almost all die

 

[viper69]

Yes

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Let her go it’s fine. You didn’t say what kind of mantis. I’m guessing the invasive Chinese mantis anyway. The ootheca usually overwinters and hatches in spring. You can set it outside on a tree or leave it inside. It may or may not hatch at any point. If you keep it, let the babies cannibalize a few instars before seperating or they’ll almost all die

I kept a mantis once but the eggs never hatched I did mist them every so often.

Hello,

About four days ago, we found a wild mantis (adult, as she have wings) outside on the road. They are very rare to see in my area and the first time I see a wild one in my life, so I kept it for one night in a large terrarium to feed and observe it. I wanted to release it after this one night, but during the first night, the mantis laid eggs (I'll make a post asking something about that later) so I was afraid to bother it incase it wasn't right to throw her outside after laying eggs.

So then the second day happened, and I kind of forgot to release her. I also fed her a lot during these four days, I'd say about six mealworms (it's relevant to what I'll ask).

So I was wondering, would it be safe to release her now after she spent four days in captivity, and have been fed so much? I am worried it may make her dependent like some animals, so I just want to make sure before putting her back outside. I do think it's better for her as she was wild to live her life free.

Other question: I didn't realize until now that her terrarium being next to my Blaberus Craniifer roaches terrarium was a problem, and I noticed today she have a bit of eyerub. She still hunt her mealworms fine so I guess she isn't blind, but would that also cause problems? (I have covered the roaches terrariums so she doesn't see them anymore)

Thank you for any replies!

yea go for it !

 

[Crocodylidae]

Let her go it’s fine. You didn’t say what kind of mantis. I’m guessing the invasive Chinese mantis anyway. The ootheca usually overwinters and hatches in spring. You can set it outside on a tree or leave it inside. It may or may not hatch at any point. If you keep it, let the babies cannibalize a few instars before seperating or they’ll almost all die

I think that she is a European mantis.

Thank you for your reply! I'll let her go today because it was nightime when I asked yesterday.

 

[Crocodylidae]

She is free!