Recent content by Descartes

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  1. Descartes

    Mantid Noises

    Mantids don't communicate via sound, at least not on purpose, that we know of. They don't have ears, as we think of them. Some mantids have a cyclopic ear (single ear) on their bellies that allows them to detect ultrasonic sounds. Researchers have shown that mantids use this ear to avoid bats...
  2. Descartes

    Mantids drinking

    I just make a habit of misting lightly once a day. Usually right before I head to bed.  You could try a day or two with just the water in the food, but I would mist after that and see if they drink. That would tell me they are thirsty and not getting enough.  Many insects can be masters of...
  3. Descartes

    Anyone familiar with Zilla Water Pillows?

    Well, I don't know about water pillows but cotton balls will hold plenty of water for 3 days. I just soak one in water and drop it in, they don't get bone dry for at least a week, and at 3 days the mantis can still drink from the surface.  At l3 they should be fine 3 days without food as long...
  4. Descartes

    Nymph canister

    Mesh attached with glue all around :) You can add flowers etc if you want. I'm not convinced the mantids care, as long as they can hang and females have places for oothecae. 
  5. Descartes

    Vivarium WIP

    Nice! What kind are you thinking of putting in there?
  6. Descartes

    Nymph canister

    In my search for an decent looking container sized for nymphs, here is one I came up with. It is made out of craft foam (2 circles, 2 strips), an overhead transparency cut in half, and a small piece of window mesh.  It is white so you can see small dark nymphs better. Both the top and bottom...
  7. Descartes

    Hello from South Carolina!

    We need pictures! 
  8. Descartes

    Dead leafs incoming

    We are going to need some pics when they arrive. 
  9. Descartes

    Attenborough on mantids

    Laughing Squid: An Orchid Mantis Uses Kung Fu to Defend Itself Against an Aggressive Jumping Spider. http://google.com/newsstand/s/CBIw9pjSwiU Edit: straight to video here, 
  10. Descartes

    Hello from montana!

    Very nice story  B)
  11. Descartes

    Nymphs too large for fruit flies, trying to choose next feeder.

    Another option: leave a porch light on. Come out after dark, and take your pick of moth sizes.  Some folks don't recommend moths for long term health, and some moths could be poisonous (usually brightly colored). That said, I have never had an issue and my mantis love them. I feed a varied...
  12. Descartes

    #flyrocket

    One small step for mantis... (bonus points if you can find the mantis)
  13. Descartes

    Hello from Texas

    Nice terrarium! Where did you get your air plants?
  14. Descartes

    Hello from Toronto!

    I would shoot for just a tad less moisture on the sides. When they hatch, they will be soft and flexible and small enough that water will "glue" them to the sides. One solution might be a damp paper towel in the bottom to keep humidity high.
  15. Descartes

    First Mantis

    Nice looking nymph! I look forward to seeing what he is. When they are that small, I have a hard time getting them to eat in larger enclosures; I had to move mine to smaller cups for a molt or two for them to find food. Looks like you have a cool setup with lots of climbing areas. Keep us...
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