I got my first Mantis!

[Mantidkid]

On Tuesday I got my first praying mantis. I called him/her Manny/Mannie (depends if it's a male or female)  any advice on molting? It is l2 currently

 

[Thrillhouse]

If they don't eat for a day or two, they're probably going to molt, so that's the time to just leave them alone outside of misting the habitat as long as it doesn't disturb them. Mine usually molt when I'm asleep or at work, so I've never actually witnessed it.

 

[Mantidkid]

If they don't eat for a day or two, they're probably going to molt, so that's the time to just leave them alone outside of misting the habitat as long as it doesn't disturb them. Mine usually molt when I'm asleep or at work, so I've never actually witnessed it.

Ok thanks.

 

[Zeppy44]

May I suggest you get rid of all the vermiculite. They will be impossible to keep clean leading to many health problems.

 

[Kermit]

Agreed on removing the substrate and going with easy to change papertowls. Best method for enclosure hygiene, especially in the long run.

To really do it right you should add some type of fabric for traction on at least one of the four sides inside the enclosure. Some species can cling to the sides of glass or plastic, while others cannot. But either way a true gripping surface will enhance the functionality of the enclosure for your pet. A gripping surface on the top of the enclosure is mandatory. Eliminating any chance of Mismolts is the name of the game!

 

[Mantidkid]

May I suggest you get rid of all the vermiculite. They will be impossible to keep clean leading to many health problems.

Do you think maybe if I replaced it very often it would be OK.

 

[Mantidkid]

Agreed on removing the substrate and going with easy to change papertowls. Best method for enclosure hygiene, especially in the long run.

To really do it right you should add some type of fabric for traction on at least one of the four sides inside the enclosure. Some species can cling to the sides of glass or plastic, while others cannot. But either way a true gripping surface will enhance the functionality of the enclosure for your pet. A gripping surface on the top of the enclosure is mandatory. Eliminating any chance of Mismolts is the name of the game!

Should I just replace vermiculite often because I have a lot of it

 

[crabbypatty]

@Mantidkid As long as you keep things clean and tidy then the vermiculite shouldn't be a problem. Just do as Kermit says and add fabric.

 

[Sarah K]

@Mantidkid As long as you keep things clean and tidy then the vermiculite shouldn't be a problem. Just do as Kermit says and add fabric.

Yeah, if you opt for keeping the vermiculite as your substrate, you should replace it weekly, especially if you have a lot of it!

 

[Rydiante]

Nice! I'd agree with the others on vermiculite as a bad choice for a standard substrate. I use it as a water absorption layer in my bio-enclosures, that's really what it's best for .

 

[Mantidkid]

@Mantidkid As long as you keep things clean and tidy then the vermiculite shouldn't be a problem. Just do as Kermit says and add fabric.

So I should put fabric over it.

 

[Mantidkid]

Nice! I'd agree with the others on vermiculite as a bad choice for a standard substrate. I use it as a water absorption layer in my bio-enclosures, that's really what it's best for .

Ok I'll put some fabric over it

 

[crabbypatty]

@Mantidkid Like, don't put the fabric on top of the vermiculite, we mean add fabric to the lid so the mantis can molt properly, and add some to the sides so it can grip. 

 

[Mantidkid]

@Mantidkid Like, don't put the fabric on top of the vermiculite, we mean add fabric to the lid so the mantis can molt properly, and add some to the sides so it can grip. 

Oh ok I get it but won't the water droplets for drinking be absorbed if I put fabric on the sides?

 

[crabbypatty]

Not it's tulle or screening material.

 

[Mantidkid]

Not it's tulle or screening material.

Ok where can I get that?

 

[crabbypatty]

Amazon or a fabric place

 

[Mantidkid]

Ok thanks for the info I'm new to mantids!

 

[Mantidkid]

Amazon or a fabric place

Would This be good?