Feeding phasmids to mantids

[Unscene]

I was just wondering if young phasmids would make suitable food for mantids,since I am constantly overrun with hatchlings and cannot always find homes for them and figured this may be an option (of course I would not feed the mantis on them exclusively!).It almost seems a waste destroying them in the freezer...

I know that many young phasmids are sold off as feeder food to reptiles and tropical fish,but I'm not sure if they are suitable for mantids or not since i am aware some species release a nasty liquid when threatened,or are just plain distasteful.

 

[Rick]

If the mantis catches them and eats them then it can be used as food. Mantids know what they cannot eat. If it tastes bad they will drop it.

 

[Unscene]

Well,the little fella has decided anyway for now phasmids nymphs are a threat rather than food,he rears back and "punches" them if they come too close,and if they persist in invading his space he jumps back a few inches.

I'll try them again on his next moult,but in the meanwhile he seems quite content with craneflies and lacewings.

 

[clemsonfight]

Well,the little fella has decided anyway for now phasmids nymphs are a threat rather than food,he rears back and "punches" them if they come too close,and if they persist in invading his space he jumps back a few inches.I'll try them again on his next moult,but in the meanwhile he seems quite content with craneflies and lacewings.

I've fed a phasmid to a mantis once.....but it was an adult mantis so I'm not sure about nymphs. I guess it could be afraid of it.

 

[Justin]

Just out of curiosity, which phasmid species did you use?

 

[benmoore]

My mantids loved eating my indian stick insects when I had a load of little ones...

the mantid nymphs would happily tuck into insects much larger then themselves! and somehow finish the dam things!