Tony C
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2010
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The mantid hobby reminds me in many ways of the early days of dart frog keeping. It used to be that sterility and simplicity were considered absolutely necessary, enclosures were generally built with a base of aquarium gravel and used plastic plants and frequently broken down and sterilized. There was an irrational fear of parasites and bacteria which were typically blamed for losses. Most did poorly under such conditions and they quickly gained a reputation for difficulty that still persists.
Advancements in vivarium design and the culture of various microfauna species have allowed the easier species to absolutely thrive in captivity, and even the more difficult species like the various eggfeeders are now within reach of the intermediate hobbyist. I really believe that the key to some of the more difficult mantid species will be found in the miniature ecosystem approach of naturalistic vivaria.
Advancements in vivarium design and the culture of various microfauna species have allowed the easier species to absolutely thrive in captivity, and even the more difficult species like the various eggfeeders are now within reach of the intermediate hobbyist. I really believe that the key to some of the more difficult mantid species will be found in the miniature ecosystem approach of naturalistic vivaria.