How important is experience?

[Todomantis]

My very first and only mantis, a male hierodula venosa, just reached adulthood this week so I'm pretty much still a novice mantis keeper at this point. However, I'm looking to start raising more mantises ASAP because I really enjoyed raising Mr. Miyagi (my hierodula venosa). So my question is do I need more experience before I acquire other species such as a plistospilota guineensis (mega mantis) or idolomantis diabolica (devil's fower). If so, than what are some other good novice species?

 

[Cole 78]

Really depends on your devotion. I wouldn’t jump to Idolomantis Diabolica, but for some slightly harder mantids I suggest Hymenopus Coronatus or Spiny Flower.

 

[Todomantis]

I thought Hymenopus Coronatus was one of the hardest species to keep though??

 

[Cole 78]

I thought Hymenopus Coronatus was one of the hardest species to keep though??

Not really, people over exaggerate it a ton, it’s pretty easy.

 

[Graceface]

I thought Hymenopus Coronatus was one of the hardest species to keep though??

Not nearly as difficult as a devil's flower! Those are quite difficult, from what I've read. 

I wouldnt call Orchids easy, but they aren't as difficult as some people make them out to be. They require higher humidity, high ventilation, and warmer temps since they are a tropical species. Stale air, aka too high of humidity without ventilation, will kill them. 

I would actually recommend to get Ghosts. They don't really need any special care, are easy to keep, and are very rewarding. So much personality! You can keep them communally, too. 

 

[Todomantis]

Not nearly as difficult as a devil's flower! Those are quite difficult, from what I've read. 

I wouldnt call Orchids easy, but they aren't as difficult as some people make them out to be. They require higher humidity, high ventilation, and warmer temps since they are a tropical species. Stale air, aka too high of humidity without ventilation, will kill them. 

I would actually recommend to get Ghosts. They don't really need any special care, are easy to keep, and are very rewarding. So much personality! You can keep them communally, too. 

I thought about ghosts, but I think I'm more drawn to larger species because I really enjoy showing my mantis off to everyone who comes over. Orchid mantises would be pretty neat to show off that pink color though too i suppose. Are there any other large, hardy, novice species? (preferably something colorful and/or aesthetically pleasing)

 

[hysteresis]

I read that idolos are very sensitive to humidity. Too much you kill em. Too little their legs / tarsi split open and you kill em. Hard mesh, they injure their tarsi and you kill em. 

Orin McMonigles 'Keeping the Praying Mantis' is an amazing book for information. 

 

[Mantis Lady]

Are there any other large, hardy, novice species?

hierodula mebranacea, H. majuscula. I don't know f there are more big mantids that is good to start with.

 

[Cole 78]

All Hierodula spp. 

 

[Synapze]

I agree with Cole 78. Hierodula sp are one of the best. 

Sphodromantis sp. also make great starters. They are easy to handle and care for... and have a "friendly" disposition. Chinese mantids are also great, but they do tend to occasionally have molting issues. 

I almost considered devil flowers, but I was concerned about their high temp requirements. 

 

[MantisGirl13]

I have heard that Idolos are not a good beginner species, and I believe it! Orchids are fairly easy, but I would definitely recommend ghosts for you. The adult females especially are easy and awesome to show off and they are beautiful. 

- MantisGirl13