Something to climb

[SomeWhiteGuy]

Okay so I been trying to find something cheap if possible that my mantids could climb on that won't Mold and has a good grip texture for them.

 

[Ralphys_Mantids]

Popsicle sticks?

 

[SomeWhiteGuy]

They get a little Mold after a few weeks. I'm looking for something I can just set it, and forget it for the most part.

 

[PlayingMantis]

You can glue a piece of mesh to the side of the container. I also found styrofoam easy to grip and walk on. However, I still feel the best texture is bark. I like to collect twigs from the woods, and I bake them until they're nice and crispy and dry.

 

[Bloodtkr]

Depends on the mantis you have and the enclosure you have. Paper towel works great ..ez to clean..no problem with grip..but not too attractive ; /

 

[CosbyArt]

Here are a few ideas, about anything made of plastic would provide mold free "twigs"

• First thing that comes to mind are the plastic sponges.
• You could simply cut mesh/screen into long narrow strips of 1" or less and hot glue them into round dowel/twig shapes.
• Another option might be acrylic or delrin rods, cover with hot glue, and before the glue dries cover the glue with coconut fiber.
• Perhaps take the acrylic or delrin rods and use rough sandpaper to give them a texture.
• ABS textured plastic sheets - cut into narrow strips
• Textured heat shrink tubing over plastic rods
• Some type of rubber coating over plastic rods
• Twigs covered with hot glue, wax, or rubber - simple cheap and effective

I'd suggest searching with Google for textured rods and see what you can find

 

[LAME]

Thats a good idea CosbyArt, I too was thinking along the lines of screen mesh.

you can find " Heavy Duty " screen mesh that's usually black and rubber coated. Ive used it for months now with no issues. It ran me about $12-13 for a roll.

 

[hibiscusmile]

I like the clear mesh, easier to see the nymphs.

 

[LAME]

True enough.

I loved the aggressive fish divider mesh ( clear type ), the holes on it work perfectly for freshlings/L2 nymphs. But I've never been able to find actual rolls of it. Just what comes in the divider kit from the pet store.