Keeping praying mantids is a worthwhile endeavor that can be very easy given a few simple conditions are met. The first step you must take when keeping mantids is setting up an enclosure. Mantis enclosures can be quite simple and don’t have to cost a lot, nor do they need to be very large, as most mantis species can only be kept alone. Mantids have some specific needs when it comes to their living quarters; however, these must be met to avoid health problems.
Praying Mantis Habitat Size & Location
In this section, we’ll discuss the importance of a properly sized praying mantis habitat along with placing your habitat in the right location.
Location
Mantids should generally be kept in a room with bright indirect light, preferably natural light, to expose them to natural day-night cycles. Keep mantids out of direct sunlight, drafts, extreme temperature fluctuations, and complete darkness, however. Mantids generally prefer quieter surroundings, so you should avoid placing the enclosure in heavily trafficked areas.
Size
The general rule of thumb for a praying mantis enclosure is that height should be at least 3 times the mantis’s body length, and the width and length should be at least 2 times its body length. Mantids need a great deal of vertical space to remain happy and healthy. Molting is a dangerous time in the life of a mantis, and as such, you need to provide them with enough space to molt successfully. Mantids hang upside down to molt and will need a vertical space at least 3 times the length of their body, positioned below something they can hang from. This means that larger mantids require much larger enclosures, with particular regard to the height. The length of the cage is less vital for mantis survival, and an enclosure length of at least twice the length of the mantis should suffice. When keeping communal species of mantis, you should increase the size of the enclosure as well to prevent cannibalism and stress.
Enclosure Types
There are a wide variety of enclosures that can house mantids. See them here
- Jars: many species of mantis can be kept singly in larger glass or plastic jars. Jars are not ideal, however, as they tend to be made out of smooth material, limit climbing, and are poorly ventilated. If you are using a jar to house a mantis, be very careful to make sure there is enough surface area for them to climb on. Mantids need a vertical space in which to molt that is at least 3 times the length of the mantis, often difficult to obtain in the confines of a jar. You can use a mesh lid and prop a branch against the top of the jar, allowing the mantis to climb to the top and hang upside down from the mesh.
- Glass tanks: Glass aquariums are a common choice available in most pet stores but are often not the ideal enclosure for mantids. The first reason is that they have smooth glass or acrylic walls, which prevent many species of mantids from climbing (only certain species of mantis can climb smooth surfaces). Mantids kept in glass terrariums should be given branches and ample space to climb. To allow for proper molting, use a mesh lid, which will give the mantis something to hold onto while it hangs upside-down to molt. The second drawback to glass or acrylic aquariums is that they are poorly ventilated, which can cause mold. If you use a glass aquarium, you must use a mesh or screen lid to provide proper ventilation.
- Net cages: all species of mantis can be successfully kept in a net cage. Net cages are generally made of fiberglass, acrylic, or nylon mesh stretched over a metal frame, with one or more doors that open via zipper or Velcro. Net cages allow for excellent ventilation and are easy to mist, a big plus given that mantids need daily misting. They are especially well-suited to the species of mantis that cannot climb smooth surfaces, as they provide 4 walls of climbing space. Net cages can be pricey, however, and hard to find.
- Mesh and hardware cloth cages: perhaps some of the best cages are those that are custom-built for mantids. You can create your own mantis enclosure with a non-toxic wood (do not use cedar, walnut, redwood, locust, or any treated wood) and fine hardware cloth or fiberglass window screen. Creating your own enclosure allows for greater customization and can be much cheaper than a ready-made enclosure, provided you have the necessary skills to assemble it.
Choosing a Substrate
The bottom of every mantis enclosure should be lined with a substrate. Coconut coir is my recommendation, as it is easy to see the moisture level by color, whether wet or dry. This is important for species that require low humidity, as you can maintain a dry substrate that will remove moisture from the air and lower humidity. It is also extremely important for species that thrive in very high humidity, as you can keep the substrate moist so that it releases moisture into the air. A good substrate should be absorbent, easy to clean, and easy to maintain.
- Paper towels: Paper towels are perhaps the simplest option when looking for a mantis substrate. They are simple to use and quite absorbent, but are not particularly attractive and become dirty quickly. This means they must be replaced often, which means that in the long run they are likely not the most cost-effective substrate.
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Coconut coir: Coir is a fine, fluffy material made from the crushed husks of coconuts. It is generally quite clean, often sterile. It is usually pesticide-free, is very absorbent, regulates humidity, and does not mold easily. This makes coir one of the best substrates for mantids as well as other kinds of invertebrates.
- Soil: Soil can be an excellent substrate as long as you are cautious of a few common pitfalls. Soil can serve as a host for a wide variety of pathogens that can harm your mantis and can also harbor mites that can parasitize your mantids. The best way to avoid this is to sterilize any soil you want to use in your mantis enclosure. You can do this by placing the soil in a glass or ceramic dish and putting it in the microwave or oven. If you are using the microwave, put the soil in the microwave for 5 minutes on high. If you are using the oven, set the temperature to at least 300 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour. This should kill most persistent pathogens and parasites. It is also very important that you use soil free of any pesticides or fertilizers, which can harm your mantis.
- Bark chips: Bark chips are a good choice for mantis species that do not require high humidity, as bark chips do not hold as much water. They are cheap and easy to keep clean. Do not use cedar, redwood, or walnut chips, however, as these kinds of wood can release chemicals that can harm or kill insects.
- Sand: Sand can be used as a mantis substrate. Wash it well, as it can carry a large amount of dust, and place a layer at the bottom of the cage around 1 inch deep for optimal moisture management. Unlike gravel, sand holds on to water fairly well. It is easy to see mantis frass, and thus sand is a fairly easy substrate to keep clean.
- Gravel: Gravel is not the best substrate to use for mantids, as it quickly accumulates frass and moisture. It is not absorbent, however, which means water from misting either evaporates quickly or pools at the bottom of the enclosure. If you choose to use gravel as a mantis substrate, make sure you check for frass very carefully, as it can easily disappear in the gravel and foster the growth of mold and bacteria.
Decorations
Mantids should not be kept in an empty cage. My advice is to keep it simple without accessories that can trap or hurt your mantis. It is important to provide your mantids with the ability to climb and hide as well as the ability to hang vertically. Mantids can become very stressed if they do not feel well hidden, and if they are unable to hang upside-down, they will have serious issues with molting and can die. The following items can help your mantis live a long and healthy life:
- Branches & Sticks: These allow mantids to climb and hang vertically and are necessary parts of your mantis enclosure. If your mantis is unable to climb smooth surfaces and you are keeping it in an enclosure with smooth walls, make sure one stick or branch is propped up into an upper corner to allow access to the lid. Make sure that all sticks and branches used in the enclosure do not have sharp or pointy parts to avoid injuries.
- Fake Foliage: Most mantids like to conceal themselves in foliage. They are completely happy with artificial foliage, however, and do not need live plants. Choose artificial plants that match the color of your mantids, which will allow your mantids to feel properly camouflaged.
- Living Plants: If you have a green thumb, you can grow live plants in your mantis enclosure. Choose plants that have not been treated with pesticides, which can kill your mantis.
- Rocks, Caves, and Hiding Places: You do not need to provide your mantis with any cave, rock, or wood hiding spot. Mantids feel most secure in vegetation and will not use any other kind of hiding space.
