Shure but i don't recommmend it some many threats to mantis. First of all some ants sting. Second some have chemicals. Third they have jaws. Fourth of all i think some people put pesticides and the ant might be infected. I would stick to other things
Morpheus, I have used black ants on numerous occasions to feed nymphs, and have had no problems with them. The ants we get don't seem to prove poisonous to mantids, and I have seen no problems at all.
I was experimenting. I placed a pit of ants in the tank and threw the L1 mantis in the tank. Only 2 or 3 ants attacked it. But it did alot of damage. I couldn't get the mantis out in time and it was bit several times. The ant bit and ripped off the mantis legs. The ants also bit the mantis on the abdomen & in it was also chewing on the mantid's a.ss. I think it got poisoned and died later on. 2-3 anys can kill an L1/L2 Mantis.
OH and if you find ants during thier flight(mating season) catch the ants with wings. Most of them are harmless and if you know they aren't affected by insecticide then go for it.