oh hi

CellyBean · Sep 12, 2016

sorry i posted in general mantid discussion before this i hope that was alright

anyways im a young mantid collector and enthusiast. i live in maryland and i have had several chinese and carolina mantids wild caught either as adults or found their ooths. right now i have two chinese males wild caught found a few days ago near where i live. one is a bright bright green and the other is brown with green underwings.

CosbyArt · Sep 12, 2016

Hello and welcome to the forum

No problem, the only rule related to that is if you post in the classifieds (only especially), as some new members tend to try using the forum for only selling/spamming without becoming a member.

Native species are a great way to start, and if you decide it isn't the right hobby they can be re-released if caught locally. I've kept many various species, but some of my favorites are natives such as the Carolina mantis (Stagmomantis carolina) and Brunner's mantis (Brunneria borealis). If you want to try something that looks exotic but is easy to care for get a Ghost mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa).

CellyBean · Sep 12, 2016

Thanks

carolinas are quite beautiful but I haven't had the pleasure of having a brunners i'll have to keep my eye out for that one. And I have been planning on buying an orchid mantis

CosbyArt · Sep 13, 2016

CellyBean said:
Thanks carolinas are quite beautiful but I haven't had the pleasure of having a brunners i'll have to keep my eye out for that one. And I have been planning on buying an orchid mantis

Brunner's mantises are only found in the southern states, although a US native they are not in most states - I found this overview (also another here) that says their habitat is "Southeastern United States: North Carolina west to Texas; southward into Mexico". Carolina and Chinese mantises are the two most common in the US though, and are what is typically found by many members.

Orchid mantises (Hymenopus coronatus) are only recommended for experienced mantid keepers that can prove intermediate or better care (i.e. can provide proper humidity, temperatures, adequate ventilation, etc), as they have more specific needs, see their caresheet here. I'm not sure of your experience level in taking care of mantids, but will say unless you have done it for at least a year, when problems occur and if they are not addressed quickly, the mantis will die and you'll be out the $50 or whatever you paid - typically ventilation or temperature related issues.