Substrate for nymphs?

[desana]

Whats the best substrate to use for nymphs. I had a few probs recently i hatched a european ooth put the nymphs in a plastic tub but i saw that when they were trying to climb the tub and they fell they fell on there backs and were struggling to get to their feet. so i tried to put some kitchen roll in but they were getting under it and inside it i didnt think that was very good at all. So the only thing i could think of was the fine vermiculite i used with the ooths to keep the humidity up. It seems to work ok i just wondered what others used. And if they could give me a few ideas CHEERS!......................

 

[OGIGA]

Hmm, if they're getting all under the paper towels and stuff, I guess the next best things are sponges and cotton balls.

 

[hibiscusmile]

A lot of people use the excelsior, or some shreadded paper, if nothing else, go pick some clean grass, dried grass or some evergreen branches small enough for the container, I use all of these at one time or another, right now it is evergreen and excelsior!

 

[Ben.M]

I use fine vermiculite

 

[Rick]

Moist spahgnum moss. The problem you stated with the paper towels is why I dont use it personally.

 

[Ben.M]

Think i might start using spahgnum moss actualy

 

[Rob Byatt]

Think i might start using spahgnum moss actualy

Don't do it Ben, think of the endangered habitats

 

[desana]

good thing about vermiculite it doesnt harbour mites or promote mould growth and it also keeps the humidity at a steady level cos it doesnt dry out quickly....Cheers!

 

[OGIGA]

My sphagnum moss always gets moldy. It gets really bad when stuff drops in. Then, mold is EVERYWHERE! And then there are people who never get mold in their sphagnum moss...... or maybe just don't see it and think it's not there.

 

[Birdfly]

Whats the best substrate to use for nymphs. I had a few probs recently i hatched a european ooth put the nymphs in a plastic tub but i saw that when they were trying to climb the tub and they fell they fell on there backs and were struggling to get to their feet. so i tried to put some kitchen roll in but they were getting under it and inside it i didnt think that was very good at all. So the only thing i could think of was the fine vermiculite i used with the ooths to keep the humidity up. It seems to work ok i just wondered what others used. And if they could give me a few ideas CHEERS!......................

I have had larger stadium mantids "trap" themselves on their backs like this with vermiculite including Idolomantis & Solygia + other species and some deaths from it.

Usually i've been there when it happens and rescued them. The finer horticultural grade Seems the worst as it is just flung around easier by the flailing mantids legs n feet.

I prefer to use kitchen roll or tissue, i put some in loosely then wet it, squash it into all the corners and the base and add more and repeat until i get the same sort of depth of tissue as i would have any other medium.

It absorbs water and holds it well and if a mantid falls onto its back it can easily grip some thing heavy and right itself if theres not much cage furniture to hand.

I like to use white as i can inspect it easier and the build up from the mantids droppings, skin sheds and victim remains

 

[desana]

I have had larger stadium mantids "trap" themselves on their backs like this with vermiculite including Idolomantis & Solygia + other species and some deaths from it.Usually i've been there when it happens and rescued them. The finer horticultural grade Seems the worst as it is just flung around easier by the flailing mantids legs n feet.

I prefer to use kitchen roll or tissue, i put some in loosely then wet it, squash it into all the corners and the base and add more and repeat until i get the same sort of depth of tissue as i would have any other medium.

It absorbs water and holds it well and if a mantid falls onto its back it can easily grip some thing heavy and right itself if theres not much cage furniture to hand.

I like to use white as i can inspect it easier and the build up from the mantids droppings, skin sheds and victim remains

Cheers! birdfly just had a giant asian mantis ooth hatch this morn used the kitchen roll did it as you described it great. Wont be going back to vermiculite now Thanks.......

 

[Rick]

My sphagnum moss always gets moldy. It gets really bad when stuff drops in. Then, mold is EVERYWHERE! And then there are people who never get mold in their sphagnum moss...... or maybe just don't see it and think it's not there.

You're keeping it too moist.

 

[OGIGA]

You're keeping it too moist.

I did get that stuff so that the humidity would be high...