Feeding in the dark

[ShieldMantid1997]

I have trained my mantids to open the cage and hit the light switch when they get hungry.

I thought i was the only one!

Sometimes the L1's have trouble with this....

 

[Chivalry]

I have the feeling that some of mine actually prefer to hunt in the dark, or at least at night.

 

[Rick]

I believe they can see in low light conditions. But in total darkness I think a prey item would have to bump into them for them to grab it.

 

[Bug Trader]

I would think that feedings in complete darkness like a shipping box would be a defensive strike based on the possible shipping stress and natural reactions to anything getting bumped into in the dark. I have watched this happen . Thats one reason I try and ship each mantid even nymphs in their own cups.in viv with infared lights and most of it seems to be defensive attacks over hunting.

 

[petoly]

my metalyticus eat at night. they hardly move during the day. I have only seen one eat once in day time and it's almost because I made him. Every morning I find them fat. they are definite night hunters.

 

[angelofdeathzz]

I feed my mantis almost everyday when I get home from work, L2-3 get one BB each L4-6 get 2-3 each and adults get 3-6 each per day depending on the species and even with that much food they still grab them up and eat everything before the lights go out as a rule, if any are left in a multi mantis enclosure they're gone in the morning, so I know they eat at night but I don't think thats their preferred eating schedule?

 

[fleurdejoo]

It's pitch black in their room, I have turned the light on more then once to my Lobata eating a fly.

I believe the Idolo's as well.