How to Keep a Praying Mantis as a Pet

Praying mantises are fascinating creatures that make interesting pets. They are relatively easy to care for, and they can be quite entertaining to watch. If you're thinking about getting a praying mantis as a pet, here are a few things you need to know.

Enclosure

Praying mantises need an enclosure that is at least three times their length and twice their width. The enclosure should be made of a material that the mantis cannot chew through, such as glass or plastic. It should also have good ventilation.

Substrate

The substrate in the mantis's enclosure should be a mixture of sand and peat moss. The substrate should be kept moist, but not wet. You can mist the substrate once or twice a day to keep it moist.

Temperature and Humidity

Praying mantises need a warm environment, with temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity in the enclosure should be between 50 and 60 percent. You can use a humidifier to maintain the humidity level.

Food and Water

Praying mantises eat live insects, such as flies, crickets, and grasshoppers. You can purchase these insects at a pet store. You should feed your mantis two or three times a week. You should also provide your mantis with a shallow dish of water.

Handling

Praying mantises are delicate creatures, and they should be handled with care. When handling a mantis, always support its entire body. Never grab a mantis by its legs or wings.

Shedding

Praying mantises shed their skin as they grow. The shedding process can take several days. During this time, the mantis may be inactive and may not eat. Once the mantis has shed its skin, it will be larger and its color may be different.

Lifespan

Praying mantises typically live for about a year. However, some species can live for up to two years.