praying mantis

[mtelfo]

hi all i am looking at getting a praying mantis in the very near future but i havent a clue what i am doing i have managed to find some info but it is very basic bullet points so before i take the plunge i would like to ask some questions on here.

the main thing i am struggling to find out is what decor i need from what need to go on the floor to leaves/ no leaves fake or real branches everything

also what tank i have a small fishtank that i dont use anymore that is about 30cm long by 20 by 20 is this big enough for a smaller nymph then put it in a larger tank when it starts to grow.

i have been looking at the exo terra 30x30x45cm is this a good size for a adult mantid?

thats all for now

thanks in advance matt

[vivalabam]

Check in my sig, there's a link to a care sheet, let me know if you have any questions after.

[mtelfo]

i have just finished reading that! it is very interesting and helpfull.

i am looking at ghost mantid or dead leaf mantid would how big do ghost adults get? i would love to keep them in a group! what would you reccomend to put on the bottom of the tank and also is that fish tank big enough for the time being? sorry for all the questions but i dont want to just get one and muck it up! its a big step from keeping some stick insects when i was a child.

regards matt

[vivalabam]

Originally Posted by mtelfo

i have just finished reading that! it is very interesting and helpfull.

i am looking at ghost mantid or dead leaf mantid would how big do ghost adults get? i would love to keep them in a group! what would you reccomend to put on the bottom of the tank and also is that fish tank big enough for the time being? sorry for all the questions but i dont want to just get one and muck it up! its a big step from keeping some stick insects when i was a child.

regards matt

Ghost would be your best bet as a beginner, they are very hardy.

If you get an adult then yeah the fish tank should be fine, it may be a bit big so just make sure it;s getting enough food.

You could keep them in a group, but make sure there is plenty of food available, that's for ghosts, if you do get a dead leaf they need to be housed alone.

Coir, or compost, dirt, anything really is good for substrate.

They aren't that big of a step, they are relitively easy to care for, and great fun.

[mtelfo]

how about size would a 30cm cube be better? i have been looking at the exo terras.

are the dead leafs quite easy to look after? i will probably go for some ghosts as i cant seem to find any dead leafs for sale anywhere.

so a bit of soil and some twigs is basicly all i need leaves? i have read put a water bowl in the bottom is a damn base enough?

[vivalabam]

Originally Posted by mtelfo

how about size would a 30cm cube be better? i have been looking at the exo terras.

are the dead leafs quite easy to look after? i will probably go for some ghosts as i cant seem to find any dead leafs for sale anywhere.

so a bit of soil and some twigs is basicly all i need leaves? i have read put a water bowl in the bottom is a damn base enough?

They really don;t need that much space, they aren't a creature that moves a lot, I keep mine in a sweet jar, not sure on sizes but it's not big!

Erm... I've never had any problems, keep them a bit more humid, although I think they can be a little more touchy than other species.

You won;t need a water bowl, they could drown in it, they are a bit thick and sometimes fall to the floor. Take that out and just spray the sides, your mantis will drink from this.

[mtelfo]

cool well i might be going to collect 5 ghost mantis tomorrow from a guy off of here just got to convince the wife.

and patch up some holes on the tank

[vivalabam]

Originally Posted by mtelfo

cool well i might be going to collect 5 ghost mantis tomorrow from a guy off of here just got to convince the wife.

and patch up some holes on the tank

Oh right, well let me know when you get them, I want some pics!

[mtelfo]

no probs

[mtelfo]

here is one of five as promised! they are well cool! the kids are very excited!