Responsibility as a hobbyist? Species longevity.

[minomantis]

I’m curious on what your thoughts are on keep species going in our hobby.

I have two beautiful female orchid mantises in my care. An adult and a sub-adult. I know that the orchid mantis is a highly sought after mantis and as a hobbyist in the community, I should want to breed her and share the wealth. The thing is I just want to enjoy both of them as a pets. I struggle because we go through drought periods (speaking about the orchid specifically) and if I have the ability, I should right? Idk.

I’m curious and would appreciate your thoughts on this topic.

 

[agent A]

you are under no obligation to breed things just because other people want them

 

[Introvertebrate]

The only reason I'd feel obliged to breed mantises is because they're relatively short lived. With a tarantula, you're looking at years. With mantises, one year if you're lucky.

 

[hibiscusmile]

If your ready to devote much time to a hatching and chance the male will get eaten, then only if you are ready then go ahead, other wise just enjoy them. She just passed this week and was almost 2 years old.

 

[minomantis]

If your ready to devote much time to a hatching and chance the male will get eaten, then only if you are ready then go ahead, other wise just enjoy them. She just passed this week and was almost 2 years old.

I hear ya. The two that I have are from the breeding of my first orchid who lived about a year and a half. Called her the little Dragon because she was fierce. The breeding doesn’t bother me, but I’m not set up for the hatching. The little dragon laid 6 ooths. The first 3 didn’t hatch. Had about 24 out of the 3. Most didn’t make it after first molt and ended up with 2 left. You really have to be set up right for it!