Shipping info

[jmac27]

I'm sort of new to the hobby of breeding and rearing mantids and although I have well educated myself about the species and the hobby, I just have little experience. I'm just wondering what regulations there are on shipping the mantids and what would be the appropriate containers and packaging. I do plan on buying, selling, and probably trading so I just want to know how to legally get the mantids to the buyer without any DOAs. If anyone can help, thanks a bunch.

james

 

[robo mantis]

If you ship within America then you won't get in trouble. To ship make sure the mantid has food. In the winter you need heat packs. Also make sure the box has some air holes. Then the post office will fill it with packing (i usually pack it at home with newspaper). Only ship overnight that will almost guarantee no DOA's.

 

[OGIGA]

I've never shipped a mantis, but I think I'm comfortable with using Priority Mail in the USA for mantises that are adults or approaching adulthood and I don't expect them to molt soon. I know things can go wrong, but Next Day doesn't mean disasters can't happen either.

 

[robo mantis]

Its safer because its mostly in planes and not trucks that shake up the mantids.

 

[OGIGA]

Planes? I doubt the cargo is pressurized, but does low pressure like that affect the mantis? Like maybe dry it up?

 

[robo mantis]

Nahh i don't think its just fast. :lol:

 

[jmac27]

Is there any particular labeling I need to use?

 

[robo mantis]

Yes it will say live of fragile either one.

 

[Rick]

Some shipping companies have policies against shipping live animals. I suggest you check each companies website. As far as labeling I don't do anything special.

 

[chris_photo]

it seems like most people I buy from use USPS.

ANy reason for that?

What about FEDEX or UPS?

 

[Peekaboo]

Planes? I doubt the cargo is pressurized, but does low pressure like that affect the mantis? Like maybe dry it up?

Planes also get extremely cold once up in the air. I'm not sure how well a mantis will deal with rapid and extreme temperature fluctuations.

 

[Asa]

Don't ship them on a plane. All of mine died. It was a big investment too, 30 or so of them.

 

[Rick]

Don't ship them on a plane. All of mine died. It was a big investment too, 30 or so of them.

WRONG!

Most overnight delivery is going to be in the air. Whenever I ship overnight I actually drop them off at the DHL terminal at the airport. I have not had any problems.

 

[Asa]

Don't ship them on a plane. All of mine died. It was a big investment too, 30 or so of them.

WRONG!

Most overnight delivery is going to be in the air. Whenever I ship overnight I actually drop them off at the DHL terminal at the airport. I have not had any problems.

But I tried over several times, and on each one, none of the mantids survived!

 

[Rick]

I don't know what you did wrong or what they did wrong. I know a lot of people here ship live mantids overnight which is gonna be through the air. No problems here. I usually ship ooths ground.

 

[Asa]

I package them well... I guess I'll give it a second chance.

 

[jmac27]

On Monday, the nymphs I'm ordering will be ready to be shipped. They're coming via overnight delivery so I'm hoping that there's nothing wrong with shipping via airplane. I don't really see how it could affect them.

 

[Hypoponera]

I have recieved quite a few expess/overnite shippments of live nymphs. None were packed with heating pads or any type of insulation. All arrived just fine!

I have also recieved ootheca by priority mail. They also arrived just fine.

I would recommend express/overnite so you get your stuff fast. The less time the carrier has to abuse the package the better! Too bad it costs so much.

 

[Manti-Rich]

I have shipped using a plastic cup as the container, using several layers of wet paper toweling at the bottom for moisture. Many holes punctured in the cup for ventilation (using a large needle), many wingless or flightless flies depending on the age of the nymphs for food, and a plastic wrap cover over the cup. I then packed the box with paper all around the cup except for the top, and perforated the box. I shipped using Priority Mail and the recipient told me that all the flies were eaten and four of the five L2s were alive and very active upon arrival. The one that died had become smashed in the layers of toweling. I do no think that would happen if the nymphs were L4 or larger. One could bond the edges of the towelling to insure the non-entering of the nymph.

Mantis-Rich