Any hobbyists/breeders in Kansas City?

[iain5]

Hi everyone,

I have been reading these forums for the last week or so but this is my first post. I would not say that I am new to the mantis hobby because I have been raising wild-caught mantids (mostly Chinese and European) since the early 90s when I fell in love with them in elementary school. I haven't done so in about 5 years (except for keeping a few adult Chinese I caught) because of the unpredictable college lifestyle. I am now steadily employed in the school system, however, and I have been missing my old hobby. I decided to look online for orchid nymphs (always wanted them as a kid) a few weeks ago and was completely and pleasantly surprized by the thriving and developed hobby that has evolved since I've been away. Seeing that orchids are not much easier to get now than they were for a 10-year-old in the pre-internet days, I have been looking at other species such as Giant Asian, Ghost, and Giant Shield as easy starters into exotic species.

Now to the point of my post: money being tight (did I mention I work at a school?), I am wondering if there are any breeders or hobbyists, or even a mantid community in the Kansas City area. I have found some of the breeders online who seemed to get wonderful reviews on these forums, and I will not hesitate to do business with them as well, but shipping seems to cost a lot of money and I like the idea of face to face business and seeing the mantids I will be purchasing for myself. I know I may be out of luck, but I thought it would be worth asking.

Either way, I'm excited to be learning and talking about mantids again and having a community to do it in!

Iain

 

[Malnra]

Hello and welcome ... I am new to this, so am unable to assist you (plus I am in Indiana), however I wanted to welcome you.

 

[darkspeed]

Welcome!

Good luck finding a breeder or mantis community in KC. Not to be negative, but you may very well be the only one in KC. Though there is a thriving mantis community here on this board, we are still few and far between. I feel blessed that we have a national community, much less a few other breeders in my state. Raising mantises isnt a cheap hobby, but it is cheaper than a dog or cat in the long run. Also...Seeing what you buy really doesnt do much good. Mantises are always better if bought in bulk when they are nymphs, cuz a perfectly good nymph can and will still die for no apparent reason. You just gotta start with several, and hopefully with proper care you will end up with a few strong healthy mantids.

 

[iain5]

Thanks for the welcome, guys. I didn't really expect much in the way of breeders in KC, just wanted to check. I'll probably bite the bullet and pay for some nymphs from a reputable breeder, it looks like a very safe and positive way to go.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Welcome to the forum iain5, from OHIO, there are a few people I sell to in KC. Maybe they will see your post and get in touch with you, here's hoping for you!