Hello, I'm new to the whole sphere of Mantis stuff, and I was wondering if some of you guys could recommend me a substrate to use... I have found many substrates, but I just cant decide on which one to use, or get. I am getting an Spiny Flower Mantis (Pseudocreobotra Wahlbergii)
What Substrate should I use?
- Thread starter Mr.Smith
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Vlodek
Well-known member
Paper towels! Cheap, easy to clean and each shop has them.
happy1892
Well-known member
Potting soil? Or do those things have pesticides?
Vlodek
Well-known member
Coco fiber is another option.
Ranitomeya
Well-known member
Potting soil is usually composed of composted greenwaste. There could be toxins from plants or from chemicals that were used on the plants.
It's also a very good way to introduce harmful bacteria, parasites, and fungi into enclosures.
Paper towels are convenient because you can see if they get dirty, they don't come with a wide variety of contaminants, and they can be quickly replaced.
It's also a very good way to introduce harmful bacteria, parasites, and fungi into enclosures.
Paper towels are convenient because you can see if they get dirty, they don't come with a wide variety of contaminants, and they can be quickly replaced.
I, too, use paper towels in many of my enclosures (net & 80 ounce plastic enclosures). I've used cocoa fiber in the past in some of my terrariums. My mantids were rarely on the bottom of the enclosure, and I never noticed any issues with this.
Toxic
Well-known member
Pseudocreobotra Wahlbergii don't do well with high humidity..... So use paper towel or like I do have no substrate..... I normally just have fine mesh at the bottom with these...... Spray then a very little amount of water just n the walls (not the mantis) once a week.....
For many years I used sphagnum moss (sold as orchid moss). The orchid moss brand is very clean and looks nice. It holds a lot of moisture as well. The downside is that it is somewhat expensive. I would not use the coco fiber stuff which is sold under various brand names. It is quite messy and can dry out quickly. But what many people do, including myself, is use plain white paper towels. If you want a more natural look use the moss.
Digger
Well-known member
Paper towels. Or no substrate at all.
Toxic
Well-known member
I'd advise against any spraying of the substate... I just smear a drop of water across the wall or mesh in front of this species (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii), they really don't do well when it's humid or damp for some reason....
Good choice. Be sure you don't get that stuff that is treated. The kind I like is labeled as orchid moss and is sold at places like Lowe's.
Crazy4mantis
Well-known member
I use paper towel in my nymph cups and sphagnum moss in my "display" tanks.
get the plain brown new zealand stuff (you can get it at petsmart in the reptile aisle or at a garden center) not the cool looking moss.
the exoterra tanks are very nice my idolos and orchids lived in them
careful not to get a ton of water in the moss for pseudos. it holds for a long time.
get the plain brown new zealand stuff (you can get it at petsmart in the reptile aisle or at a garden center) not the cool looking moss.
the exoterra tanks are very nice my idolos and orchids lived in them
careful not to get a ton of water in the moss for pseudos. it holds for a long time.
happy1892
Well-known member
I rarely use substrate, but I do not have species that need it for humidity.
