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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...

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...

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...

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. 

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

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...

We need pictures! 

We are going to need some pics when they arrive. 

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, 

Very nice story  B)

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...

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

Nice terrarium! Where did you get your air plants?

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.

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...

Awesome!

Don't you lose nymphs this way? Do you leave it there, or do you just put it down, wave the hands, and zip 'er back up?

Fastest way: Hold a hand so that it doesn't pop all the way off, but slip the rubber band back so there is an opening. I stick flies in 3 oz cups, and you can just tap the cup and they fall right in, then pull the rubber band back over. With some finesse, you don't even bother the mantis hanging...

Ordered phyllocrania paradoxa pair, arrived very healthy and well packaged. Tossed in some Carolinas to boost local population for good measure; much appreciated!  Great communication, quick shipping, good packaging.  B)

I can't claim a lot of experience or expertise here,  but you could probably rinse them in a mild soapy water to get rid of any industrial chemicals or lubricants that may be on the plastic, but it is probably fine. I think it would be highly unlikely you'd get mold or bacterial infection from...