Are these enclosures any good?

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

Do these look like appropriate cages or a mismolt waiting to happen? Should I cover the sides with something easier to grip? (Compared to glass or a kritter keeper the plastic these containers are made of is very easy for the mantises to climb, but I don't know if that would be enough to save one who fell while molting.)

http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/salmonsaladsandwic/media/image.jpg2_zps1n1okti5.jpg.html

 

[Mantis Man13]

You are going to want to hot glue tthe same mesh you have on top onto the sides as well. The sides are not going to be grippy enough if the mantis is going to decide to molt there.

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

Hmm... Never thought of that. That's probably a big concern for me especially considering that they rest comfortably on the sides, so it's not a far stretch for them to be stupid enough to molt there...

When mantises fall to the floor following a molt, is it generally because the lid wasn't easy enough for them to cling to? Or does it happen frequently on mesh lids? The reason I'm planning on covering the sides with screen was originally so that they could get back to the top if they fall.

 

[Alikaren]

You could also just snip a piece of plastic canvas and place it in there diagonally, like a stick. It works very well and is super easy.

 

[Rick]

It will work for small mantids. You could glue some mesh or some other grippy surface to a side or two. Or you could just scuff up the sides to make them rough.