Visit the Links section to find where to purchase any of the equipment needed for keeping a Mantis.

For the Mantis:

The Mantis

Choosing the right Mantis for you is essential, for more information on choosing the right Mantis, follow the link on the left of the page to the Species section or click here.

Cage

The cage for the Mantis should ideally be made of glass, plastic or netting and should be about 40cm(H) x 30cm(L) x 30cm(W) in size for the average adult Mantis. Larger species will be better off in a slightly larger enclosure. The height of the cage is the most important factor because it is needed for the Mantis to be able to hang upside down and shed its skin. It should be well ventilated so a lid with a grating or a netting top is best.

Heat Matt (Optional)

A Heat matt may be required for species that require higher temperatures or if the mantis is not being kept at room temperature. They should be stuck to one of the walls on the outside of the cage. It should be positioned to one side of the wall to provide a warmer and a cooler area in the cage. The inside of the wall that the Heat Matt is facing should be unobstructed to prevent the Matt from overheating. A 6” x 11” Matt are the most suitable for the cage described above of 40cm x 30cm x 30cm. An 11” x 11” Matt might be better for the new Apogee Reptarium 22g.

Be sure to use thermometers at either end of the cage to monitor the temperature across the whole cage and to prevent over heating.

Plants/Branches

A Small plant should be place in the centre of the cage or a few small branches with a few leaves should be placed around for the mantis to perch on. These should vary in height but be aware of overcrowding the cage. If the Mantis has no room to hang upside down to moult due to leaves and twigs in the way then it could die.

Substrate

Substrate is needed on the floor of the cage to help maintain humidity and provide a more realistic environment. Bark chips are a good choice because they can absorb quite a lot of water and they are organic.

Netting

Netting is required over the top of the cage to provide the necessary footing for the Mantis to hang upside down from in order for it to moult.

Garden Sprayer

Most Mantids need to have their cages misted daily, a small hand held plant sprayer filled with clean, tepid water is best for this, but make sure the nozzle is turned to the misting position and that no chemicals have been used in the sprayer before hand.

Thermometer and Humidity Gauge

Thermometers should be placed either end of the cage with a humidity gauge in the middle. Analogue Dial Gauges are more accurate and easier to red than the digital strip meters.

For Crickets

The Crickets

The Crickets themselves come in various species, size and colours. The size of crickets should be decided by the size of the Mantis. Usually a cricket just under half the size of the Mantis is best. Most stores sell brown house crickets which are the best choice.

Cage

A plastic or glass cage is suitable for storing the crickets. The cage does not need to be very big, 20cm(H) x 20cm(L) x 20cm(W) would be a good choice, maybe a slighlty larger enclosure for larger crickets.

The top needs to have a grating so the crickets are ventilated or small air holes cut in the side of the container. Fine Netting can be used as a lid when fasted with a strong rubber band.

Heat Matt (Optional)

A Heat should be installed if the Crickets are being kept in Sub- room temperatures. The procedure is the same as installing one for the Mantids but because a smaller cage is required for the crickets, a smaller heat matt is usually required.

Egg Box

The bottom half of an empty egg box should be cut in half and placed in with the crickets for them to hide under. Parts of egg boxes are usually provided in the cage when the crickets are purchased but you may wish to add a couple more parts.

Cricket food

House crickets are mostly vegetarian; they will feed on vegetables and dry food. Special dry food mix is available from some pet stores, it is cheap and it provides a full food diet for the crickets. Dry food mix is available from stores listed in the “Where to buy” section.

Netting (Optional)

Netting is good to have around when keeping smaller crickets because they can sometimes escape through gratings on the lid of a cage. Placing it over the top of the cage followed by the cage lid or a tight rubber band should prevent any escapees.

Potatoes/Carrots

A few Slices of Potato or Carrot should be dipped in water and then placed in with the crickets (do not to use too much water because smaller crickets could drown). The crickets get their source of water from eating vegetables. They will appreciate the extra water from dipping the vegetable slices, although it is not essential.

Thermometer

A thermometer is useful for making sure that the crickets will not overheat or freeze! They are useful if the crickets are being kept in a shed or any other place that is not at room temperature.