Which to get?

[ShieldMantid1997]

I have made up my mind to get my first mantis, but I am not sure which I should get. I was wondering what a good one might be , (preferably on the larger side).so what do you think?

 

[d17oug18]

easiest to know where you live and what you have to keep them in ^_^

But easiest in the western US is usually, S limbata's, ghosts(for there communal-ness), and a small one is miomantis paykulli.

Hope this helped.

 

[fercho ing]

the egypcian mantis is small but is very strong and it´s color are nice

general is a great mantis

 

[ShieldMantid1997]

Oh sorry for the lack of information, east coast near Chesapeake if that's what u meant and ok, I am going to buy the enclosure once I know I'm getting. My friend has a what he said was a giant shield mantis, he said it was very beginner, is that accurate? Sorry bout all the questions.

 

[d17oug18]

Giant shield is ok, but once it gets closer to adult it needs ALOT of food. Mass to food easiest is any native species. Like Giant Chinese, Egyptian and Limbatas. About 4-6" in length and still doesn't eat like fat little piggies lol. All 3 of those species need at least 10" x 10" enclosures and once L3 hits need to be separated because they're all extremely cannibalistic.

 

[ShieldMantid1997]

Ok thanks I think I will get an Egyptian. They seem much easier and what age should I get it, like a nymph or should I get it a little older like L4?

 

[hibiscusmile]

Either is fine, a hardy mantis, an easy to raise.

 

[ShieldMantid1997]

Ok thanks guys for all the help!

 

[GreenOasis]

Egyptians are very small...1-1/2 to 2" max size.

There are plenty of Hierodula & Sphodromantis species to choose from in the hobby, who get large, are easy to manage & easy to feed (H. multispina CAN take down large prey, but they don't eat as much, as often, as other Hierodulas.)

Just my two cents.

 

[patrickfraser]

GO LARGE! Any Sphodromantis is good. I have lineola, viridis, and "blue flash". All have been relatively simple in keeping and I like the larger size...harder to lose track of.

Good luck with your choice. But who said you only had to get one???

 

[ShieldMantid1997]

I was looking at different types and the S. Lineola caught my eye. Also the deroplatys desiccata looks cool. Any techniques on enclosures Such as what I could make one out of if I wanted to make my own. Also if I were to use sphagnum moss to keep humidity in would I still have to use humidity foam also? And are lineolas communal?