a few juveniles?

[Graz73]

OK, I'm hoping to buy a few juvenile mantis's in the spring. I could buy some now, but it seems like they'd be harder to feed and keep alive through the winter.

Which breed is easiest to raise? Which is the "most fun" to watch?

 

[PeterF]

You'll have to sort some of that out yourself.

Personally, I like large species that stalk around their tank. Cryptic species that look like plant and blend in very well are neat, but not as much fun in my opinion. But everyone has their own opinion on that. So you might want to learn about a few and see what interest you.

But, as a recommendation, look at the Hierrodula multispina. I bought some from Ismart in the early fall and I am very happy with them. They've been easy to raise and fun to watch and absolutely adorable.

Also, if you are waiting for spring anyway, then you could consider some Chinese or European oothes and let the extras goes in your yard if they are common to your area.

 

[Precarious]

Of the species I've kept Gambian Spotted-Eye Flower Mantis (Pseudoharpax Virescens) are lowest maintenance. They are spunky little things with a lot of personality. They look at you and tilt their head like a dog.

I have Gambians available now and will have more by spring. I hope to breed the Unicorns but no adults just yet.

My very favorite species though are Idolos and Heterochaeta occidentalis. The Heterochaeta are very easy to deal. They get a little complicated as they mature but they just look so cool.

 

[Graz73]

Of the species I've kept Gambian Spotted-Eye Flower Mantis (Pseudoharpax Virescens) are lowest maintenance. They are spunky little things with a lot of personality. They look at you and tilt their head like a dog.

Also Unicorn Mantis (Phyllovates chlorophaea) are very low maintenance. Very cool looking, but otherwise not very exciting.

I have Gambians available now and will have more by spring. I hope to breed the Unicorns but no adults just yet.

My very favorite species though are Idolos and Heterochaeta occidentalis. The Heterochaeta are very easy to deal. They get a little complicated as they mature but they just look so cool.

Thanks for the reply and videos Precarious! I might have to go for one of those Gambians.

 

[Precarious]

Thanks for the reply and videos Precarious! I might have to go for one of those Gambians.

Some photos of a Gambian posted here:

Photos: Idolo, Gambain, Budwing, Unicorn

 

[dgerndt]

I suggest miomantis paykulli (Egyptian). They're REALLY hardy and easy to take care of. But they're also small and cute and very friendly. Since they're small, you never have to deal with big food (which can be gross sometimes).

 

[Graz73]

What about food? I can catch bugs pretty easily in the spring, but would I need a fruit fly culture? I suppose there are directions on how to do that somewhere?

 

[dgerndt]

Yup, there's a thread on how to make fruit fly cultures in the "Food and Feeding" section.