I had my african female as adult for a good few months
and i admit i cried when she died but i had to put her in the freezer she just got weaker and weaker and couldn't even grip anymore and i could not just watch that. Decided then that i would not have any more (although i still had a couple of others left) which when they died they dropped dead
I have just ordered an ooth these insects fascinate me and no matter how easily i get attached to all animals and how short this animals lifespan is i wont let that get in the way
I know my mantis had a good life she was in a 1 foot squared home which is larger than a lot, her pray was never too big so stressful for her she was not handled so no stress at all there and she lived a long time for a mantis