DMJ
Well-known member
Hi I was wondering if anyone here knows how to dry out mantis to frame them? I figured since I raised them I might as well do something creative with them after death. If anyone has any tips please help me out thanks.
Drying out Mantis
- Thread starter DMJ
- Start date
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I think someone else asked this at some point. Of the top of my head, you are supposed to freeze them for 2 weeks then put them on your window sil. I may be wrong but thats what I think you're supposed to do.
Dave, I tried drying them in the fridge and they turn black...yuck!
You'll just have to let it dry for a long time (2 or 3 weeks). If you have a
porch or patio, you can put it out there so it won't stink up your house.
You should put it in a container that allows plenty of air to get in, but
has small enough holes to keep ants out. Some people put insects in the
microwave to dry them quickly, but you have to watch them closely. If you leave them in there too long, they might burn up or explode :shock: . You can position its legs, but don't pin the mantis before putting it in the
microwave. (If you really wanna try the quicker way)
I usually pin the mantis on a styrofoam and position it using small strip of papers.
Then leave it for 2 weeks with cover to avoid dust from getting in or any insects that may get in and chew up your preserved specimen.
In order to keep the specimen longer lasting, pin a few moth ball inside the frame to discourage insects like roaches from getting into the frame.
You'll just have to let it dry for a long time (2 or 3 weeks). If you have a
porch or patio, you can put it out there so it won't stink up your house.
You should put it in a container that allows plenty of air to get in, but
has small enough holes to keep ants out. Some people put insects in the
microwave to dry them quickly, but you have to watch them closely. If you leave them in there too long, they might burn up or explode :shock: . You can position its legs, but don't pin the mantis before putting it in the
microwave. (If you really wanna try the quicker way)
I usually pin the mantis on a styrofoam and position it using small strip of papers.
Then leave it for 2 weeks with cover to avoid dust from getting in or any insects that may get in and chew up your preserved specimen.
In order to keep the specimen longer lasting, pin a few moth ball inside the frame to discourage insects like roaches from getting into the frame.
Ian
Well-known member
I have tried this, however, the speimen just turns a horrible black color. Any ideas why?? When I tried it with a leaf insect, all that happened was the legs just crumbled on the slightest movement :?
Cheers,
Ian
Cheers,
Ian
