Do Praying Mantis Make Good Pets? [Pros & Cons]
The praying mantis, a unique and interesting insect that lives in the wild, has also become popular as pets worldwide.
Praying mantises are insects with fascinating traits from their elongated bodies to triangular heads complete with large eyes which make them look like they’re always staring at you; it’s no wonder why some people find these creatures so captivating!
Praying mantises live all over the world but can be found mostly in warm climates such as Africa or Asia. They typically prefer habitats near water sources because of how useful those spots are for hunting prey (usually other bugs).
The Northern praying mantis can be found in all parts of the United States, Canada, and southern Europe. In most areas they are not considered pests since their diet consists primarily of insects that cause agricultural damage such as aphids or caterpillars; however, this is only true if there’s a sufficient food supply available for them to feed on.
Some of the strangest invertebrates on earth are creatures like these and often have an amazing set of abilities, such as camouflage or mimicry.
Let’s dig into some of the most commons questions like: How long do praying mantis live? Do praying mantis bite? Are praying mantis poisonous or dangerous?
8 Benefits Of Keeping Praying Mantis As Pets
1. Wide Variety of Praying Mantis Species
Praying mantids come in a large variety of species. These species vary significantly from each other in size, shape, and color, making for much excitement and comparison between species.
For instance, in Texas, the native praying mantis, Stagomantis carolina (Johnson), is what you may think of when someone brings up the topic. They are green, slender, 1-6 inch individuals with triangular heads.
On the other hand, the Devil’s Flower praying mantis mimics a flower with bright colors and unique appendages. In fact, after watching enough alien movies, praying mantises begin to look like little aliens.
2. They are one of the most popular pet insects
The praying mantis is one of the most popular pet insects because they are easy to take care of and feed. They come in a variety of colors, have adorable faces with large eyes that can be used as an indicator for their moods, and it’s not hard to tell if they’re hungry or thirsty either!
The world has fallen in love with these little bugs since people realized how much easier it was to keep them than some other pets like dogs or cats which require walks and more attention.
Mantises don’t need too many things: food every day (which you’ll find right outside your door, insects!), water when you mist them weekly, sunlight outside where ever possible so long as there isn’t direct heat coming from the sun shining on their enclosure.
3. They have a natural lifespan of about 2-8 months
Like many insects, mantids naturally live for only one season.
How long do praying mantis live? Depending on the species, praying mantises live between 6 weeks and 8 months.
Unlike dogs where smaller species tend to live long, praying mantises are just the opposite. Smaller species may only live 4-6 weeks while larger species will have the largest lives.
There are some known pet mantids that have lived over a year, but this is certainly unusual. Don’t expect your mantis to live that long.
In fact, most large mantis species live 4-8 weeks after their final adult molting.
4. You can buy them online or locally
If you’re an experienced gardener who wants to have a pet praying mantis, or if you want something unique for the garden that will make your nieces and nephews scream with delight, then look no further than buying praying mantis eggs online.
They can be shipped right to your door in their egg cases which are clear so it’s easy to see what is going on inside without having them hatch! Once they’re hatched into larvae under adult supervision of course (which may take up to 2-3 weeks) they’ll grow from ½” long babies all the way up until adulthood where some adults reach 5 inches in length.
The praying mantis is one of the most fascinating insects you can find. They are also available at your local pet store or in your backyard, and their average price ranges from $0 to $25.
The amazing praying mantis is an insect that deserves more recognition than it currently receives as a result of being underrepresented on TV shows like Animal Planet.
The cost for these bugs varies based on where they’re purchased: sometimes it’s only about ten dollars but other times they range up to twenty-five dollar depending on how old the bug may be, whether there are any defects with them (missing wings) and the size that was ordered by the customer.
5. Praying mantis make great pets for kids and adults alike, as they require very little maintenance
The care and feeding of a praying mantis is actually pretty easy. The proper food, water, temperature range, humidity levels are all necessary to help keep them healthy but not difficult for anyone looking to do so!
Praying mantises make great pets because they require very little maintenance with the right conditions in order to thrive.
A few key tips include keeping their home at an appropriate temperature (between 68-80 degrees Fahrenheit), providing light sources for a typical summer day/night cycle; checking on your pet daily.
Praying mantises are massive eaters. When they are small, they must be fed daily. Larger mantises can be fed every other day occassionally if you take a weekend trip.
Finally, always provide fresh clean drinking water no matter how big the container size. You do this by misting the container with water daily.
If this sounds good to you, you’ll want to read our ultimate beginners guide to praying mantis pet care where we get into the details.
6. There are many species to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs and lifestyle
Some praying mantis species vary significantly. The most common one is the Green Mantis, also known as Tenodera Sinensis and it can be found in China, Japan, North America & South Korea to name a few countries. In contrast with this more well-known variety of mantises, there are many other types that differ greatly from green coloration such as the Brown Praying Mantid or even some red ones!
The type of mantids you will find varies depending on where you live but they all share qualities associated with being an insect, like their six legs and two antennae among others.
Larger mantids require larger prey animals, while smaller mantids can eat any variety of very small insects. Baby praying mantis can eat fruit flies. If the size of the prey insects you must handle is important, be sure you know the adult sizes and feeding needs.
7. You don’t need any special equipment or supplies to keep them healthy and happy (though some people may want to purchase a terrarium)
A praying mantis in captivity can live without any special equipment or supplies – all you need is an enclosure to provide them with. The recommended size of their home should be at least 10×10 inches, and the height about 6-12″.
The best way to keep your mantis happy in captivity is by providing them with some fresh leaves and small insects every few days so they are constantly feasting on new prey. A weekly misting of water will help keep the humidity at the right level.
8. It’s easy to teach children about the life cycle by having a praying mantis in their home!
The praying mantis is one of nature’s most interesting creatures!
You’ll find that it can teach your children about the cycle of life. Plus, you may even be able to get them excited enough to become biologists themselves in the future or learn more about insects and arthropods when they’re older.
Praying mantises are easy pets for kids with an interest in biology because these fascinating bugs will show us how complicated a creature’s lifecycle really is by giving us insight into their four stages – from egg, nymphs, adult females and males- all without having any knowledge beforehand on this subject matter. 😉
5 Disadvantages Of Praying Mantis As Pets
1. They need live prey to survive, which can be hard to find in some areas
One of the most well-known features of praying mantises is that they’re carnivores.
Most common praying mantids will need to eat insects like flies, crickets, roaches, and other insects typically available outdoors. Not only are praying mantises usually found eating other bugs, but some large types prefer to eat birds and frogs too! Wow!
This can make finding food difficult for them in certain areas, so if you ever want a pet insect – don’t get one of us unless you agree it’ll be okay to feed on every bug we find outside! They are not choosy.
2. They have very short life spans, typically only lasting up to six months at most
Given their short life span and aggressive behavior, praying mantises may not make a great pets. They are most commonly found in the southern United States and northern Mexico where they can be purchased from local pet and garden stores or online.
The reason that predaceous insects don’t often make good house pets is because of how quickly they grow up to adulthood (only living about six months) coupled with the fact that large species may have a tendency towards aggression when they get large.
3. Praying Mantis are not suitable for people with a fear of insects
It is true that Praying mantises do not look like the insects people typically fear.
So, do praying mantis bite? Praying Mantis are relatively harmless, as they cannot sting or bite humans. However, there have been instances of some species causing allergic reactions in humans –which means it might be wise to stay away from these creatures if you suffer from insect-related anxiety!
Most people would agree that praying mantises don’t seem scary at first glance – but this doesn’t mean everyone should think about getting one for a pet! If your phobia makes even spiders too much for you then maybe consider skipping out on these guys altogether.
4. They do not make good pets because they can’t be trained to do tricks, and their diet is difficult to maintain
It’s tempting to want a pet that can pray and eat bugs, but the praying mantid cannot be tamed. Often called “praying mantis,” these insects are more accurately known as “preying” or “predatory.” The name is appropriate because they prey upon other species of insects for food!
Remember, they are bugs. Your friends will want to see more than just your simple observation of a praying mantis doing its thing on the other side of an aquarium’s glass wall. You won’t be teaching a praying mantis to roll over or play fetch. The joy is in simply watching them and learning about their patience or feeding habits.
If you’re looking for an exotic bug friend who won’t need feeding (or cleaning!), get yourself some ladybugs instead. They’re awesome too.
(Note: They will learn some things from you and may even come to you when you are bringing food to them)
5. Mantises may attack if handled improperly and are fragile
If you’re thinking of picking up a praying mantis, be sure to hold them gently and avoid any contact with their front legs. These sharp-tipped appendages are designed for grabbing prey so they can’t use it as leverage in an escape attempt like the rest of its body which is made mainly from soft fuzz that’s difficult to grab on too. If these sensitive limbs brush against your skin, there could easily be trouble!
Praying mantises may attack if handled improperly and have been known even more than once to strike with their front claws when they activate their aggressive defense reflexes or even mistake your finger for dinner. But, they seldom cause injury even if it is scary.
Related Questions
Is it illegal to keep a praying mantis as a pet? No, in North America it is legal to keep praying mantis as pets, provided they are native North American species. Exotic praying mantids from another country are illegal unless specifically permitted. Praying Mantids are not on an endangered species list and therefore are fair game as pets, barring local regulations. Check with your local authorities if you have concerns. Never release a non-native species into the outdoors.
Is there a Reddit for Praying Mantis pet owners? Of course. Check out https://www.reddit.com/r/mantids
How long do praying mantis live? Mantids can live up to 1.5 years in captivity. For new praying mantis owners, expect them to live for 2-8 months. Remember, if you purchase an adult praying mantis, it is already 4-6 months old and will live another 2-4 months.
Are praying mantises harmful to dogs? Praying mantises will bite if threatened. However, despite the rumors, praying mantis are not venomous and therefore not poisonous to dogs. If your dog eats a praying mantis, they will likely be okay. The biggest danger are the sharp edges of the body parts that may cause internal damage as they go through the dog’s system.
If you think your pet is ill, call a vet immediately. All health-related questions should be referred to your veterinarian. They can examine your pet, understand its health history, and make well informed recommendations for your pet.
903pets.com Staff
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