MantisTrainer
Active member
Hi everyone, I recently rescued a European Mantis ootheca from the local school to keep it safe from predators, weather, garden work, etc. Currently, it is in my fridge until I am ready to hatch it. I've had some previous experience with keeping this species as an adult but I've never cared for nymphs before so I have some questions.
Ootheca related:
1. is refrigerating the ootheca enough, or should I provide it with some specific care to ensure it hatches?
2. I've heard that you shouldn't keep the ootheca refrigerated for much longer than they would normally diapause, is this true? do you think it would still hatch okay if I left it in the refrigerator until around late April or early May?
Mantis Related:
3. does this species have any specific temp/humidity requirements? how often should I mist a well-ventilated, mesh enclosure?
4. are there any species-specific health concerns I should be prepared for?
5. once they outgrow fruit flies, what would be a good option for feeding? (my household will not allow cockroaches or smelly house/bottle fly cultures). Any help is appreciated.
Ootheca related:
1. is refrigerating the ootheca enough, or should I provide it with some specific care to ensure it hatches?
2. I've heard that you shouldn't keep the ootheca refrigerated for much longer than they would normally diapause, is this true? do you think it would still hatch okay if I left it in the refrigerator until around late April or early May?
Mantis Related:
3. does this species have any specific temp/humidity requirements? how often should I mist a well-ventilated, mesh enclosure?
4. are there any species-specific health concerns I should be prepared for?
5. once they outgrow fruit flies, what would be a good option for feeding? (my household will not allow cockroaches or smelly house/bottle fly cultures). Any help is appreciated.
