How to Care for a Young Praying Mantis?

Question

I found a young praying mantis in my home and have decided to keep him as a pet. I have him in a small insect habitat. I've always loved praying mantis, but never thought of keeping one as a pet, until now. The insect habitat that he is living in now is one I had left over from when I kept butterflies. I put some leaves, twigs, and branches in the habitat for him. I'm guessing he will eat the leaves I put in there. I made sure to mist some down before putting them in though, so he would have something to drink. He seems pretty happy. Am I doing everything right? Is there anything else I need to do? I'd appreciate any care advice? Thanks.

Answer 1

The praying mantis is a hunter and eats insects..not leaves.  Have you even looked up indoor habitat and food?  I think you should let him go.

Answer 2

praying mantis are meat eaters - they eat other bugs

Answer 3

The others are right, they are insect eaters but I've kept a few in cages and fed them fruit fly. Buy a soft peach or nectarine, or the produce manager will probably give you a few if you tell him what you're doing. Leave them outdoors in the shade a few days and put a piece in the cage and refrigerate the the rest in a closed container and use as needed. As he gets bigger he will have trouble catching something so small. At this point you can let him go. Or you can buy crickets from a pet store.  RScott

Answer 4

sorry you should let him go. they eat birds and ants and other bugs, they basically eat meat.

they need lots of care and move very very fast when it needs to. also they are endangered so are actually suppost to stay in the wild.

if you really want to keep him put it in a large tank. give it a small pond with a filter. also add lots of flies and other bugs too. also keep it warm, but not hot

Answer 5

Praying Mantis are carnivores. You will be better off letting it go in your garden where it can eat all the bugs it wants.

Answer 6

Yes, you forgot the main question. Prying Mantis is a very useful insect, they eat other insects, plagues, etc, like the Lady bugs, not a vegetarian. Find a mate then release then in the garden, but remember, when they mate, the female chops the male head and eats it, but the body keeps mating. Females ir bigger than males, that my dear, is love.