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How to Feed Mantids in the Winter

Some members of the Mantis genus of insects have a notorious distinction -- namely, the preying mantid for eating her mates after fertilization -- ensuring at least a small meal before she lays her eggs in a meticulously crafted nest. Professional and hobbyist entomologists alike keep a mantid or two in an aquarium to witness these various cycles of life, from summer to winter. At a minimum, these insect observers must learn the proper way to feed a mantid, so it survives the artificial conditions.

Instructions

- 1
  Provide a large glass jar or aquarium for your mantids, sealed with banded netting. This habitat should have a branching stick mounted in the middle for your mantids to climb on. You can attach an egg case, purchased from pet supply vendors, if you're interested in seeing the entire life cycle of this insect. To make sure your mantids will eat, they must have the best simulated environment possible.
- 2
  Feed your mantids small insects, no larger than themselves, every three days. The options are many, from flies and moths to grasshoppers and crickets.
- 3
  Order your feeder insects from online or local insect vendors in the winter months, when far less insects are available outside to be caught with your nets.
- 4
  Observe which insects your mantids prefer to eat and continue to feed them only this variety through the winter months, to ensure a proper diet throughout this season.
- 5
  Offer feeder insects to your mantids while they're still alive -- the only type of bugs that mantids will eat. You can facilitate the feeding, though: The University of Arizona Extension recommends removing the hind legs of a cricket to lessen their chances of escape, or holding a feeder insect with some tweezers, until your mantids have a chance to latch on.

Insects & Science