Do Mantids kill slugs?

[Pray]

It seems Mantids are supposed to be the ultimate predator for a garden, but I'm wondering about slugs. Would they really pounce on these thick & slimy things as well? I don't remember those ever been specifically mentioned.

 

[patrickfraser]

It probably depends on the movement of the slug. It has to grab the attention of the mantis and usually slugs are very slow and smooth-moving, giving it "stealth" from getting the attention of the mantis. I don't know if it would eat it or not, but I bet if it caught one it would give it a taste and either mow down or fling it away.

 

[psyconiko]

They would!If mantis could catch slugs!But they are so fast...

I think they dont even notice it.Mantis need a "real" moving target to be interested.But you could try to handfeed your mantis with a slug(Sphrodromantis may take it)...

If Mantids are the ultimate predator,Slugs are the ultimate pet!

 

[nebrakacinese]

tried to feed a slug to lineola male, the slug moved so slow the mantis never seen it.Come to think of it I did'nt see move either

 

[hibiscusmile]

I give em to my girls every now and then, they lik e em fine, got to wiggle it in front of them though.

 

[psyconiko]

tried to feed a slug to lineola male, the slug moved so slow the mantis never seen it.Come to think of it I did'nt see move either

Oh gosh you tried to?I was half kidding but well done my friend.You are giving us an accurate answer!

 

[Ntsees]

Many years ago, I gave my mantid a slug. The mantid caught it and began to consume it. It wasn't able to eat it and the slug exuded lots of slime on the mantid's fore-legs. The mantid never got to remove all of the slime and so I never gave my mantids slugs ever since. I like my mantids clean like when they are freshly molted (not a single dust on them).

 

[Pray]

Hmm, I guess then I'll be making lots of SLUG-BAIT-REFIL trips to the stores for my slug-traps.

 

[Malti]

to get rid of the slime, put slugs in water before so it washes out...

 

[patrickfraser]

I hear if you rub them with salt they really get moving.

 

[Rick]

No.

 

[Pray]

Well I bought one slug-trap, and it's caught quite a few near my tomatoes. Looks like I"ll be buying a few more because those guys are killing all my other vegetables this year