I'm Lauren!

[Arcticfaux]

Hi everyone! I'm new here and very excited to learn more about caring for and keeping mantids  

I am currently 19, but I realized my love for these insects when I was 12. Outside of the house I lived in at the time was a big bush absolutely FULL of different colored mantises. For the few years I lived there, I would catch flies, wrap the flies in spiderweb, and dangle them in front of the mantids to eat   

Anyways, I'm very happy to be here and can't wait to get to know all of you!

 

[Zeppy44]

Heyas and welcome. Love the story about feeding wild mantis. :clap:

 

[CosbyArt]

Hello Lauren and welcome to the forum

Great, I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who feeds wild mantids; although, I use tweezers as I also feed the arachnids occasionally too. Do you keep any mantids now or just getting started?

 

[Arcticfaux]

Hello Lauren and welcome to the forum

Great, I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who feeds wild mantids; although, I use tweezers as I also feed the arachnids occasionally too. Do you keep any mantids now or just getting started?

Tweezers are an even better idea! I'm just getting started, but I've got my hands full already and am currently caring for two ghosts, an orchid, two shield mantids, and a tiny nymph I found in the wild ?

 

[CosbyArt]

Tweezers are an even better idea! I'm just getting started, but I've got my hands full already and am currently caring for two ghosts, an orchid, two shield mantids, and a tiny nymph I found in the wild ?

The only thing with tweezers is if a mantid grabs them, hold still and slowly open the tweezers so the mantid can grab the feeder and it will release the tweezers (and will cause no damage). If holding the feeder barely at one end though with tweezers, it isn't a common issue unless the mantid is frantic from hunger.

I do find the longer 8" tweezers gives the mantid some space from humans, no worrying about it grabbing you, and are more willing to take feeders. Usually they are labelled as aquarium use, and can be had for $5 on eBay or Amazon.

Sounds like you do have your hands full and already caught the mantid collector mentality. I've heard others say the modified Pokemon tagline, "Gotta keep them all!" and it applies to most of us here. Have fun.

 

[Jessie]

Hey lauren.

Nice to meet you.

Welcome to the fourms.

 

[Sarah K]

welcome! My enthusiasm for insects started when I was very young as well. I have also been known to feed wild mantids, and mist the plants in which they live when it hasn't rained for a while, because i think about how thirsty my pets get, and feel bad for them.

 

[KatieQuake111]

Nice to meet you Lauren! My name is Katelyn.

 

[Rick]

Welcome

 

[TEAM BUGS]

I got to go where you find these Full of different color mantis

Welcome