Brand new to mantis keeping and the forum

[skeletondad]

Hello from Florida! I have always though of the mantis as the mostly lovely and fascinating of insects, and recently after lots of research I have decided that I would love to take up mantis care! I have yet to have my first mantis but I'm excited to learn more about the mantis and mantis care and get to finally own my own praying mantis. 

 

[Ocelotbren]

Welcome, fellow new mantis keeper!  Have you decided what species you'd like to start with?

 

[skeletondad]

I'm not sure yet! Since I am brand new to mantis keeping, what kind of mantis would you suggest to beginners?

 

[steeve]

Welcome! There's quite a few tolerant species that are good for beginners and don't require extreme temperatures or humidity. But personally, I think catching a wild mantis or two is an even better start   They're pretty easy to spot at night and can be released back into the wild afterwards, a nice way to test the waters before investing in an exotic mantis. 

 

[skeletondad]

Thank you so much!

 

[Rick]

Welcome. Many great species in  your state. 

 

[Ocelotbren]

If you go the wild-caught route, good luck!  If not, ghost mantids are exotic but are considered fairly easy to keep and seem to often be the first exotic species for new keepers (myself included).

 

[hibiscusmile]

Welcome

 

[Connor]

Welcome to the forum. My first was a wild caught European!