Giant African Mantis

[Malnra]

After doing some reading it seems that this is a mantis that would chase down a cricket in the terrarium. Sounds to me like a species that would be fun to own. Not as exotic as some, yet a fun one in that it would chase down its meal, not wait for it to walk or fly by. It would eat crickets which you can get almost anywhere it seems.

Anyone see a flaw in my thinking here ?

If not, I think I may want to locate some, or an OOTH and see how it goes.

the 2 Giant Asians I have just dont seem to be a chaser type, more of a wait and ambush. not as much fun to watch if you ask me.

 

[Kruszakus]

This is a good starter for a beginner, but after a couple of weeks you will realise that there is no demand for this mantis and you will be less enthusiastic.

 

[Rick]

This is a good starter for a beginner, but after a couple of weeks you will realise that there is no demand for this mantis and you will be less enthusiastic.

Not really. This is one of my favorite mantids to keep. Who cares if there is not much demand as long as you enjoy keeping them. I have found that most mantid species will chase down prey.

 

[Kruszakus]

I know that they are okay - but Sphodromantis species are usually of a poor pedigree. People tend mate as many Sphodromantis species as they can - so you get "mongrels" instead of "thoroughbreds" - they can die without no apparent reason you may have some other problems as well.

I know that Sphodromantids are easy and fun because of the size and beautiful, classical looks - but based on the fact that they are mostly the XXX generation from the same line - I would not invest in them.

 

[Rick]

I know that they are okay - but Sphodromantis species are usually of a poor pedigree. People tend mate as many Sphodromantis species as they can - so you get "mongrels" instead of "thoroughbreds" - they can die without no apparent reason you may have some other problems as well.I know that Sphodromantids are easy and fun because of the size and beautiful, classical looks - but based on the fact that they are mostly the XXX generation from the same line - I would not invest in them.

I have never seen any evidence of so called mongrels. Many of the mantid species in this hobby are most likely horribly inbred. Doesn't seem to be a big deal for insects though. Never had an issue of sphodromantis dying for no apparent reason. Actually I never had any problems with them and that's one reason I like them. I think some of your comments lack any real evidence as being true but instead are just your own opinions. So Geoff I say go for it. Easy to keep and trouble free not to mention the females are very voracious eaters.

 

[Malnra]

This is a good starter for a beginner, but after a couple of weeks you will realise that there is no demand for this mantis and you will be less enthusiastic.

I appreciate your candor my friend. I did ask for flaws in my plan and appreciate your thoughts on it.

I was not so much thinking about other mantis people wanting what I bred so much as my sons science class, maybe a daycare or two, a mom and pop petstore maybe. A mantis that tends to wait for its food to get close may not be as interesting as one that would hunt it down. Plus any mantis that feeds mostly/exclusively on flies would be a negative for those places as it has got to be a PITA to mess with fly cultures.

The mantis that (at this time) is one I would like to own would be the Idolomantis diabolica. I would like to get a little more experience with some species that are likely easier to take from ooth to adult before I try something exotic.

So Geoff I say go for it. Easy to keep and trouble free not to mention the females are very voracious eaters.

Thanks Rick, sounds like what I am looking for. Decent size mantis with some agressive eating habits.

 

[Kruszakus]

I have never seen any evidence of so called mongrels. Many of the mantid species in this hobby are most likely horribly inbred. Doesn't seem to be a big deal for insects though. Never had an issue of sphodromantis dying for no apparent reason. Actually I never had any problems with them and that's one reason I like them. I think some of your comments lack any real evidence as being true but instead are just your own opinions. So Geoff I say go for it. Easy to keep and trouble free not to mention the females are very voracious eaters.

I already stated my opinion, and I do not see any sense in arguing with someone who gives me an impression of being a man who thinks that his opinion is the sounder one, and what others say is the by-product of a whisical dart toss.

EOT.

 

[Rick]

I already stated my opinion, and I do not see any sense in arguing with someone who gives me an impression of being a man who thinks that his opinion is the sounder one, and what others say is the by-product of a whisical dart toss.EOT.

Nobody is trying to argue with you man! What exactly is the by product of a whisical dart toss? Please explain.