As I've mentioned in my introduction thread I have my first few mantis' arriving this week. They are all L4 -L5, the rhombodera and heirodula I'm sure will be eating bluebottles and bigger. But I wanted to check what the miomantis should be having, I was thinking maybe small crickets or could they manage flies? A selection of sizes isn't really a problem, I have a few shops in the area where I can easily get various sizes of feeder insects. Flies I can get from my local tackle shops, well the maggots ready to pupate anyway : )
new mantis advice
- Thread starter danl82
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@danl82 My Pygmy's (Miomantis paykullii) at that size were eating small crickets or house flies, and at L5 most were comfortable with tackling the larger bottle flies (even if they were huge compared to the nymphs). 
See my post here for some photos of my Pygmy L5 nymph, the last photo is where it was enjoying one.
See my post here for some photos of my Pygmy L5 nymph, the last photo is where it was enjoying one.
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Teamonger
Well-known member
@danl82 Miomantis paykullii are little monsters who are happy to tackle most things you think no mantis in their right mind would. Flies of nearly any size should work. I have fed mine both bottle flies and hydei fruit flies as adults and they take both happily. I have had little issue getting mine to eat mealworms as well (the females at least) which is so nice as there are so many species that won't even look at meal worms.
I have watched in amusement as a sub adult Mio flying tackled a black solider fly mid air and wrestled it into submission on the ground. Tiny badasses!
I have watched in amusement as a sub adult Mio flying tackled a black solider fly mid air and wrestled it into submission on the ground. Tiny badasses!
Serle
Well-known member
@Teamonger Mio's certainly are entertaining , I've seen L5/6 Tenoderas jump out of the way of a l;ittle L4 ....... S
Well my parcel arrived yesterday, I had to work late though and had to collect it from the post office later. So it wasn't until nearly midnight that I actually got them out the box. But after a quick check all 9 mantis were alive and well. One of the rhombodera extensicollis had moulted in transit, without problems (phew). Also one of my miomantis is huge compared to the other two, about 1.5 inches at L5.
They've spent last night still in the transport cups but I will get them housed tonight after work and hopefully pictured.
They've spent last night still in the transport cups but I will get them housed tonight after work and hopefully pictured.
well all are housed, just simple setup for now (I like easier to keep clean and hygienic) paper towel on the bottom with a stick to hang from and very light spray of water as I thought they might be a bit dehydrated after shipping. After I sorted them all I popped a small cricket in with each and wow the sphodromantis were on them within 3 seconds!
