Artificial Lighting

[acerbity]

Do mantids / insects need a dark period, or can you keep them lit up 24 hours a day? Some times I leave my lamps on through the night.

Would increasing the number of hours increase its rate of growth accordingly (like plants)?

 

[macro junkie]

Do mantids / insects need a dark period, or can you keep them lit up 24 hours a day? Some times I leave my lamps on through the night.Would increasing the number of hours increase its rate of growth accordingly (like plants)?

i asked this same Q..and iv been told it wont matter..they sleep if its dark or not..up to u..i like to give 5 hours dark at no lower than 70f.

 

[Rick]

Pretty sure insects don't sleep in the true sense of the word. It could be beneficial to have a day/night cycle when it comes to breeding, ooth laying.

 

[joossa]

Pretty sure insects don't sleep in the true sense of the word. It could be beneficial to have a day/night cycle when it comes to breeding, ooth laying.

Just to reinforce Rick's response... "Insect sleep" is called temporary torpor. This process involves a partial reduction in response to the environment, the individual becoming lethargic, and most importantly, hormones. I haven't read anything regarding this in much detail, but because hormones are involved, I would also recommend providing a day and night cycle with the use of lighting (be it artificial or natural) not only for healthy ooth production, but over-all health in the individual as well.

Hope this helps.

 

[macro junkie]

is it true adding fluorescent lights can change the colour of their eyes..mainly on flwoer mantis?