My mantis only stays at the top of its cage!

[ToeChecks]

i have a giant african mantis and she only stays on the top of her cage! i keep her humidity between 50%-65% and her temp between 75 to 85. there is leafs and sticks for her to go on but she refuses to go down. im new to this hobby and i was just wondering if i was doing something wrong! thank you!

 

[SilentDeviL]

Most mantis like to be on the top .. so nothing to worrie . the species you have don't need much water or humidity. They can get water from Prey .

 

[hierodula]

nothing is wrong, all mantids do this. She just like to be in the highest possible position.

 

[Malakyoma]

Very often mantids will just hang out at the top. I find if you give them extra space than they need they move around more though. I have some larger species in 20L tubs with lots of sticks and fake vines and they move around all day, and some smaller species are in 1 gallon enclosures and do a lot of moving as well.

But as people are saying, hanging out at the top isn't something to be worried about. If you want them to run around, then give them more room to run around in. Works for me.

 

[D_Hemptress]

everything is fine! that's just what they do!

 

[D_Hemptress]

edited out by Moderator

no offence to anyone, but i do believe sharing what you do yourself with other people is helpful. they may find it interesting they may not.

 

[Malakyoma]

edited out by Moderator

From my experience they move more when given more room, thats an answer to his question. You really need to just relax

 

[patrickfraser]

They like to stay at the top to hang out and oversee their kingdom.

 

[ScienceGirl]

What you are observing is normal. Most insects have a natural tendency, or an instinct, to go up/climb to the highest point possible. Mantids are benefited by being at a high point when preparing to fly. The higher they are, the greater distance they can fly with less energy used than if they started on the ground - not to mention that they won't accidentaly smack and crash land on high grasses and weeds in their way by starting at the highest point in the area. Another reason is that mantids are hunters. Whether they lie and wait for their food or chase it depends on the species. Your mantid may be looking for food up there that wouldn't be found on the ground. Mantids often climb plants, such as lavender, to find butterflies and bees.

What are you keeping your mantid in, and how big is the enclosure?

Example: If you've ever held a ladybug, you may have noticed that they climb to the highest point possible on your hand before flying. The same goes with mantids.

 

[D_Hemptress]

What you are observing is normal. Most insects have a natural tendency, or an instinct, to go up/climb to the highest point possible. Mantids are benefited by being at a high point when preparing to fly. The higher they are, the greater distance they can fly with less energy used than if they started on the ground - not to mention that they won't accidentaly smack and crash land on high grasses and weeds in their way by starting at the highest point in the area. Another reason is that mantids are hunters. Whether they lie and wait for their food or chase it depends on the species. Your mantid may be looking for food up there that wouldn't be found on the ground. Mantids often climb plants, such as lavender, to find butterflies and bees.

What are you keeping your mantid in, and how big is the enclosure?

Example: If you've ever held a ladybug, you may have noticed that they climb to the highest point possible on your hand before flying. The same goes with mantids.

good information! cheers on that!

 

[Digger]

They think they're bats, Toe. As everyone assures you, the behavior is completely normal.

 

[Krissim Klaw]

Don't worry there is an easy fix for this. Just stand on your head and suddenly she will be standing on the floor.

 

[D_Hemptress]

Don't worry there is an easy fix for this. Just stand on your head and suddenly she will be standing on the floor.

haha. you're a funny one!

 

[JTHMfreak]

Mine loves hanging out upside down just what she seems to do.

 

[Rick]

Welcome to the hobby.

 

[ToeChecks]

thanks for the information every one!

 

[Crazy4mantis]

Yes the hanging is natural. The only mantis I've ever had who didn't do it is my adult orchid mantis female, but I think she's just too fat for her legs to support her. :lol: