How to Raise a Praying Mantis
The Praying Mantis is definitely a unique bug that would fascinate any bug lover. Their care is relatively simple and cheap, so don't be scared to give it a whirl. It will be an interesting experience for the whole family.
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Instructions
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How to Raise a Praying Mantis
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Make a home for your praying mantis. This should be done before you even attempt to catch one. Making a home is easy. A plastic container with many holes for ventilation will work perfectly and one with a lid will ensure that your praying mantis can't make an escape. Other items will work, such as a jar or shoe box. Just make sure you have plenty of holes in it, small enough so the praying mantis can't get out, but big enough to allow plenty of air. If you feel like splurging, many pet shops offer housing appropriate for bugs. Praying Mantises love to climb, so feel free to add some plastic mesh or something else the mantis can climb on in the inside of the container. A small twig will work well as long as it fits while the container's lid is on.
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Try to determine if your praying mantis is female. A bulge in the belly tells you that you are dealing with a female that will be laying eggs soon. Egg laying usually occurs at the beginning of autumn or late in the spring. Once these eggs hatch, you will need to separate the praying mantises. They might eat each other if you don't.
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Feed your praying mantis regularly. Butterflies and crickets will be appreciated and are a favored meal of the praying mantis. Get everyone involved in catching dinner for your praying mantis. Offer a few a day to your praying mantis. Don't worry, they won't eat what they don't want.
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Set your praying mantis free when your ready. The praying mantis can generally live about eight to twelve months and no matter how thorough you are with it's care, it stands a better chance of surviving longer on it's own.
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Tips & Warnings
Supervise children who are caring for the praying mantis.
Everyone should wash their his after handling the praying mantis or the container it is living in.
Do not put two praying mantises together or you run the risk of one becoming a feast for the other.
