You can find a lot of info here over mantids and good luck with choosing your first mantis.
Presently I'm torn between getting a P. Ocellata or something of the Creobroter genus. I find them to be absolutely stunning!
I have creos and they are great! But P. Ocellota is cool too! Can you get both?Honestly? I've actually really been contemplating that exact thought!
- MantisGirl13
I think the only thing holding me back is a nagging feeling that I might go overboard if I allow myself to get too many at the same time (after all, if i find myself with a creo and a p. Ocellata, what's stopping me from getting a couple ghosts and perhaps an orchid and several Carolinas? I'm certain my mind will come up with some good reason to just go for it 
)
Think the most of us have more than 1 mantis at home. Some a complete mantis zoo, I think
That's all I keep currently, and I'll be happy to tell you how great they both are and how much you 'need' them in your life 
In regards to where I'll get them from... that's still a bit of a mystery to me at present. I there have been a few online shops I've been hovering around, as well as the classifieds here, but I've been a little non committal with it while I figure out how to make my space a little more hospitable.There is nothing wrong with that, imo. It's better to be preparred and not go rushing into things.
LolOh my! @Graceface, @Little Mantis, and @MantisGirl13 - I have to say I am HIGHLY tempted! And as much fight as I might give myself right now, I'm fairly certain before I know it, there will be a mantid on every available surface in my space
Don't listen to us, this is just what we do! I currently have a mantid cage (or two) on every open surface in my bedroom! My closet is full too. 
