Just saying hi!

[TheSamuraiCop]

Greetings! I'm currently in the process of prepping for my first mantid, which I'd like to be an Orchid. I have a nice glass terrarium setup that I modified to keep mantids. It should keep in humidity well. For a substrate I have moss, cocobark... not tons because I don't want to complicate things. I have vines so it can climb, hang, etc. 

Looking forward to diving in! I'm sure I'll be here seeking advice from all of you. I have plenty of experience with reptiles/ amphibians, but this will be my first mantis.

 

[Synapze]

Welcome! If you're just starting out you've found the right place.

 

[Mantis Lady]

welcome,

There are a lot of  nice ppl here with information on orchids. I have never had this species before. Feel free to ask questions.

 

[hysteresis]

Welcome @TheSamuraiCop.

 

[MantisGirl13]

Welcome to the forum! I would not start with an orchid until you know what you are doing. They are fairly easy, but it is a lot easier to keep them if you have kept other mantids before. I'd suggest ghost mantids; they can be kept commnally, so great for a large terrarium, They have an awesome exotic look, and they are SUPER easy to care for. 

- MantisGirl13

 

[Mantis Lady]

Ghosts are beautiful but small, If you want a big mantis a hierodula membranacea is a good starter spiecies too

 

[hibiscusmile]

Welcome~

 

[Graceface]

Welcome! 

I raise Orchids and Ghosts, and echo what @MantisGirl13said about starting with something very easy to care for as a first mantis. Orchids aren't 'hard' but aren't easy either. I love them, but wouldn't consider them a good first mantis. 

However, Ghosts are excellent! They have fun personalities, an exotic look, they dance, they are super easy to care for, easy to tell M/F apart, like being handled, can be kept communally, and are just all around awesome! I highly recommend them

 

[TheSamuraiCop]

Yes! Actually, I've just decided today to go for a Ghost instead. I figure it will make my first experience smoother. Plus, I heard that Orchids have shorter life spans, and I'd love a first animal that may live a little bit longer (though I know most mantids don't live super long).

 

[Mantis Lady]

Cool, ghosts are beautiful to see.