Purchase Preference: Nymphs vs. Adults

[Dynastyus]

Just curious what everyone's preference is when purchasing a mantis. I have recently purchased an L3 budwing, and an adult H. Parviceps. I find that I am enjoying the budwing more, and I feel that it is because I feel more connected with it as it has been through 2 molts with me already (and is still rather small). How about you guys?

On a side note, anyone ever have a mantis chew through netting? The h. parviceps got a little frisky with a cricket (who initially got away) and started chewing on the netting, maybe from frustration or she thought she caught it and was eating it

 

[sppc9876]

I prefer to start with nymphs around L3/L4 since they are a bit more hardy than newly hatched nymphs. There's something exciting about watching a mantis grow bigger through each successive molt. I'm always thrilled when I compare the size difference between the stages. Adults are nice too, but given that every mantis can become an adult with time, then getting an adult not only costs more but shortens the time you have with the mantis. My two cents.

 

[d17oug18]

depends on what you want to do with the mantis, if you want to breed and hatch nymphs, adults are obviously better for that. IF you just want to raise them(like most of us), then nymphs are better. Like you said you become more attached to it and see what it goes through in life =)