Housing for most Mantids is usually quite simple. The cage should preferably be made of glass, plastic or netting; a plastic aquarium might be a good choice. The height of the cage is the most important factor because the Mantid will need to hang upside down to moult as it increases in size. The cage will need to be at least double the length of the Mantis. The Length and Width are less important, but a reasonable size is needed. A 40cm (H) x 30cm (L) x 30cm (W) enclosure would suit most adult Mantids, although larger species should be provided with a slightly larger enclosure. The Cage must be well ventilated; the easiest way of doing this is to have a mesh, netting or grated lid for the cage. The mesh or netting will also provide the necessary grip for the Mantis to hang upside down from when it needs to moult. Plastic aquariums will do but netting cages allow the Mantis to climb all over the cage easily. Aquariums are better suited for Nymphs as they retain humidity (needed especially during moulting) more efficiently than a netting cage. The Floor of the cage should be covered in substrate. Bark chips are usually a good choice because they can hold a lot of moisture and they are organic. A layer around an inch thick should suffice. Standard tissue paper can also be used since the Mantis spends very little time on the floor. It is quite cheap and colours that best match your Mantis can be used to enable it to blend in. If you use tissue, make sure that it does not get soggy from spraying. A Heat matt is an optional extra if the Mantis needs special heat requirements or is being kept below room temperature. It should be placed on the outside of the cage to one side of one of the walls. This will help create a temperature gradient across the enclosure so the Mantis can choose an area of suitable temperature. A thermometer and humidity gauge is essential in order to maintain the right temperature and humidity requirements for your Mantis. If using a Heat matt, place a thermometer at either end of the cage to measure the temperature gradient. The humidity gauge should be placed in the centre of the cage. The analogue dial type of thermometer are usually easier to read and more accurate than the digital strip thermometers. A small non-bushy plant or a few small branches with leaves and a stick should be placed in the enclosure for the Mantis to perch on. Make sure that they do not occupy too much of the enclosure or the Mantis might not have enough room to moult. Artificial plants are easier to maintain but genuine plants are better and they keep up humidity. Generally the Mantis will most likely stay in one spot for long periods of time. They will benefit from a piece of netting under the lid if the lid is not already made of netting. Do not use adhesive to stick the netting up, the Mantis could get stuck in it. Finally DO NOT place the Mantis in direct sunlight (e.g. next to the window) because the Mantis could overheat and die. Have a look at the Maintenance section to find out information on how to clean the cage, and maintain humidity and temperature etc. |
