Human Attachment

[DefyTheNorms]

Is it possible for mantids to get attached to being with their humans, or just out of their enclosure in general? This is my first mantid - a tiny budwing nymph. I only got him Friday, but he seems to want to always be with me (or at least out of his enclosure). Twice a day, since I got him, I sit out on the porch with him on my hand. He's super calm and just sits there cleaning himself, his little head turning and inquisitivly looking around. He looks so content. If an insect can have a look of content. He only moves to a new position when I put my finger out to him. As soon as he sees any movement from my my hand now he reaches out to me with those tiny arms. I also have a hard time getting him back in his enclosure. As soon as I get him close to it, he turns and runs up my arm lol. Now earlier, I noticed he is circling the circumference of the deli cup lid and he's sticking his tiny head in the grove between the lid and the cup like he's looking for a way out. He has such a big personality, and I must admit I was not prepared for how intelligent them seem, nor how attached I've become.

 

[Rick]

I would imagine the mantis would rather not be inside a cage which would perhaps explain why it so eagerly comes out. 

Mantids tend to like to go to the highest point so placing a finger or other object in front of them means they will want to climb up onto it. It makes zero evolutionary sense for an animal like a mantis to want to associate with humans or any other animal other than perhaps a potential mate or prey. 

 

[Sticky]

They've know the difference between trapped in a cup and freedom outside of it. You can get a bigger next cage, 12/12/12 inches. Put branches and fake flowers in it so he will still be safe and wont get lost or stepped on. Feed him in the cup only. That will make him happy.

I would imagine the mantis would rather not be inside a cage which would perhaps explain why it so eagerly comes out. 

Mantids tend to like to go to the highest point so placing a finger or other object in front of them means they will want to climb up onto it. It makes zero evolutionary sense for an animal like a mantis to want to associate with humans or any other animal other than perhaps a potential mate or prey. 

 

[DefyTheNorms]

@Rick @Sticky Thanks for clarifying. I still think he/she has an awesome "personality" either way

 

[Sticky]

You are welcome anytime! Enjoy your friend, he has alot to teach you. Sticky taught me quite alot.

 

[Jessie]

Me personally i believe humans ASSUME they know what an inscet thinks and such, I have seen emotions in my mantis's before. I don't have to prove that its true for me to know it. Heck i made my mantis's a Christmas tree and made a nature playground in my closet. I let my animals teach me things, I think this subject is a matter of opinion. I personally believe they do.

 

[River Dane]

As of now, no one can guarantee how insects perceive pain, or whether or not they are capable of love. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide and believe.

personally, I like to think they do have feelings.

 

[Okoboji22]

I also believe that they at least have emotions if simple. Mantids can have completely different personalitys even in the same species, and that's saying something. My first mantis also seemed to have a preference to me over others and would always attack them but leave me be and sometimes pat my nose when a held her close to my face. I believe that mantids are capable of the simplest form of attachment if not more. I have also noticed you can read how they feel based on body position. If your mantis is wary of something In front of then they become still and flatten back their antenna. If a mantis is curious they sense the air around what they are interested in with the antenna. If they anticipating they are about to catch food they also flatten back antennas to protect them and lean forward to get closer.

 

[DefyTheNorms]

I also believe that they at least have emotions if simple.

I agree with that. I guess it all depends on how we define "emotion".