Feeding millipedes and woodlouse to mantids?

[Stefan]

There are plenty of the common black millipedes and woodlouse in my backyard. Are they safe to feed to mantids? I understand that some species are toxic though...

Thanks.

 

[Birdfly]

Some people have had some succes feeding woodlice to mantids, the closest i've ever witnessed was a mantis catch, bite and then throw it away [distasteful] millipedes release a noxious fluid to defend themselves, i may be wrong but i expect mantids will reject these also.

 

[Asa]

Feed them fruitflies, crickets, moths. Try not to deviate too much.

 

[jmac27]

Feed them fruitflies, crickets, moths. Try not to deviate too much.

Yeah, just stick to the normal foods. This way you know they're getting their nutrition and won't get sick.

 

[Asa]

Plus it's easier.

 

[jmac27]

True. Why go out and catch feeders when you can just buy them?

 

[Asa]

Gosh, we're lazy aren't we?