Packing for shipping live mantis
Our method for shipping mantids evolved over time. We have several different methods but one is used for 90% of all nymphs we ship. There are many breeders who use their own methods and can be fine.
I have several hard rules when mine are packed.
- No Tape! Tape is a wonderful tool but deadly to mantids and most insects. We’ve eliminated it from mantis containers.
- Mantids are fed and watered heavily the day before and of shipping.
- Any signs of molting means don’t ship. It’s a problem as shipping often induces molting delivering a crippled pet is a sad thing.
- Use something for the mantis to hold on too. It’s going to be a rough ride. We use an adhesive Velcro disk. I sometimes have trouble thinking about what may happen along the way in transit.? Frightening it is and bounce slam dunk OMG! But then I remember how resilient they are. Getting carried by the wind hundreds of feet in the air, bouncing off trees and windows as if like rubber. And we can only pray…. And they do make it. We have a 95+ successful live shipping rate when shipped next day air as we recommend.
- And please! Watch me damn tarsis! My TOES mate, don’t you see I use them to hang on to the lids just as your snapping it closed! I can’t help it!
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