Any restrictions on wild insects fed to mantids?

[jpusser510]

I apologize if this has already been asked in a thread but lately i have been catching small moths and spiders to fed to my spiny flower mantis nymph Mulan and i was wondering if there are certain insects that i should not catch and feed to her either due to them having strong mandibles that can damage her or being poisonous?

 

[Rick]

You should likely avoid some bees and wasps but most things are good to go. If it is obvious that an insect has powerful jaws or looks like it could harm the mantis you should avoid it. Mantids will tend to drop a food item they shouldn't eat. Moths and butterflies should be fine and most mantids seem to love them.

 

[jpusser510]

Thanks for the info Rick.