Q&A for How to Keep a Pet Praying Mantis Without a Cage

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Praying mantis still eating and drinking, but won't climb, and was lying upside-down this morning. Sitting up now, but won't climb.

Community Answer

It is molting, as it will do every couple of weeks. Make sure not to disturb or feed them when they are trying to molt.

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Question

Can I use a fake plant as a substitute for the potted plant?

Community Answer

Yes. Since the plant is just a decoration, you can replace it with a fake plant if you'd prefer.

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Question

Can I keep a mantis in a jar?

Caeiia

Top Answerer

Yes, but the jar should have air holes and may be harder to clean because of the small space.

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Question

Why do people keep praying mantises as pets?

Community Answer

They are lively, fun, and interactive. They are small, and therefore require less terrarium space than a lizard or snake.

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Question

Can I let a praying mantis roam around my greenhouse even with my dog that comes in when I garden?

Community Answer

It depends on your dog. If it's not the type to go after other animals in general, it may be fine. But if it's definitely a hunter, keep it outside.

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Question

Can a praying mantis eat mealworms?

Community Answer

Yes, but not all the time. Mealworms contain too much fat to be a regular part of your mantis's diet.

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Question

Where can I get a mantis?

Bridget Craghill

Community Answer

You can get them at local exotic pet shops and you can actually order them online. Just search mantis in your area and they may have a store that sells them or sends them. Also check on online insect stores.

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Question

My mantis is having trouble climbing and has already molted six times. Will she die soon?

Community Answer

It's hard to say, but a mantis will generally molt 6-10 during their lifetime.

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Question

What do I feed my praying mantis nymph?

Community Answer

Try to feed it small bugs. Most people feed theirs flies, moths and crickets. Only feed the adults crickets.

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Question

Can I keep it in a box (container)?

Bridget Craghill

Community Answer

The container has to be properly ventilated. I would recommend going on YouTube and watching DIY mantis enclosures as you can probably find different ways to make it with objects you have at home.

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Question

How will I tell if it is getting ready to molt?

Community Answer

Praying mantises will not eat for a day or two prior to molting. They also tend to move more slowly.

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Question

Can I keep two praying mantis nymphs of different species together? They look to be a fairly similar size, and I think they are different gender.

Community Answer

If you are breeding them, then it is fine. If you are not trying to breed, go one day with both in the same enclosure; if they don’t get along, move to their own cages.

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Question

I found a female in one of the tomato plants I was discarding mid-October. She produced an egg sack in November and December. She did again in early January. Is it normal for a mantis to die after laying that many?

Bridget Craghill

Community Answer

Yes, it is really normal. They usually are quite old before laying eggs, it is possible they are unfertilised.

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Question

Can I keep a praying mantis outside in my back yard?

Community Answer

Yes, but if it can't find food or is a species that grows wings, it may fly away (or get eaten). I wouldn't recommend it.

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