Why do we keep mantids?!?

[drotski]

So, I am new to keeping Mantids, and most of my co-workers have asked "why do you have a praying mantis as a pet?!?" First of all, I do not explain how I have 11 of them, not 1. Nor do I explain the 5 Chinese ooth I have incubating for garden pest control (plus a few keepers).

What do most of you say for an explanation, or what feels to me more like an "excuse"?

I know I keep them because they are amazing creatures, and the challenge of getting them to breed so you can raise the next generation.

I have kept many animals on a similar premise, rabbits, and MANY aquatic animals...and a few reptiles.

Is there any logical way to explain to a "muggle" why this is a cool, responsible hobby?

 

[Mime454]

They're like cool 3 inch robots that can move their heads to look at you and multiply if you treat them right. Plus they're brutal when they eat other bugs.

Killer product for $3-30.

 

[MantidBro]

Ive been asked before by my sister's friends, I usually say, cause theyre awesome. Lol

 

[LAME]

Large predatory bug eating aliens?! Lol

.... Seriously though, because their little monsters. ^_^

 

[Sticky]

Because I love them! I find I have a deeper connection to them than furry animals. I understand them better.

 

[LAME]

Other than my German shepherd (longhaired male, and a beauty.) I would have to agree with Sticky.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Theres just something about Mary, um, mantis! :tt2:

 

[minomantis]

I usually say a couple of reasons.

1.) I love nature and they naturally interest me.

2.) I love the predatory/prey chains so since they are one of the

main predators in the insect world, I had to learn more.

3.) Their camouflage abilities are very interesting.

4.) I try to stay away from the "They're cool" (even though they totally are!)

response because many people know it's an insect and are just put off. :/

If you explain if right, you can even intrigue the people you are talking to.

Some of my family friends have questioned me and realized it would be cool

to raise some with their own kids. You never know.

 

[drotski]

Very good answers so far, keep them coming! Thanks for the responses.

 

[SoylentGreen]

They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky, they're altogether ooky, the Mantid family!

 

[mantisman 230]

Probably because they are some of the coolest insects out there, I personally share why I keep them annually at Virginia Tech each fall

 

[CosbyArt]

Low maintenance, easy to care for, a pet you can handle and enjoys it, a great reason to start other hobbies (photograph, terrariums/plants, etc.), what others said above, and they are serial killers that you don't have to worry about their victims or yourself when your asleep (or hiding the bodies).

There are many great reasons, and usually everyone I talk to about my mantids just think I'm weird and don't ask why I do it anyway.

 

[Krissim Klaw]

Insect version of a cat.

 

[drotski]

I am totally trying the laser thing, that's very cool...but have you ever hit them in the eye with it? I am just worried about serious sight damage.

 

[Mantis Man13]

I feel like mantises are more than a pet and more like family. I'm sure you will agree once you have kept kept them for as long as I have, over 6 years. Everytime I hold one they will look at my face in curiosity and waver like there is a slight breeze. The mantis is always there and will always be looking out at me through their cage. I feel like a mantis is the equivalent to the average person's view to a dog, man's best friend. I am always thrilled when I get another person to join the mantis brotherhood. Next time someone asks you why you keep a mantis tell that ignorant person,"Why do people keep dogs or cats?". Make them have to come up with an answer instead of you. Like this if you agree with this statement.

 

[mantisman 230]

Normally I would agree with you mantis, but you also have to remember that this particular pet isn't exactly "commonly kept" I know of very few other keepers in my state, so few I can count them on my fingers. So that part is understandable. I love these guys like nothing else. I'm currently waiting for a female Hierodula membranacea to become an adult tonight!

 

[Mantis Man13]

I know but it is still a comparison of why people keep dogs and cats. It's the thought that counts not the quantity

 

[Alikaren]

They kind of make me feel more 'in touch' with the process of life. It might sound cliche, but they really do.

 

[Mantis Man13]

Me too haha