How to Buy a Praying Mantis

Praying mantis, which are also known as praying mantids, are harmless to humans. In fact, they are garden helpers that thrive on a diet of moths, crickets, fruit flies, aphids, and other insects. Praying mantis can grow to a size of 6 inches in length, and their color and features vary by species. The following is a simple guide to buying a live praying mantis via the Internet.

Things You'll Need

• Praying mantis food (fruit flies and/or crickets)
• A small tank
• A screen to cover the tank
• Paper towels
• Sticks

Instructions

How to Buy a Praying Mantis

1. Decide on the type of praying mantis you would like to purchase. There are many different types available. However, only a few types are legal in the U.S. If you are looking for a green mantis, you will want to order a European praying mantis.

2. Find a breeder or seller. Try a home and garden store, individual breeder, farm supply company, or on-line mantis company. Be the company sells USDA approved praying mantis.

3. Keep your receipt. Obtain a warranty or guarantee for the praying mantis. Also, maintain the breeders instructions on how to care for the creature. If you are purchasing a mantis that will be shipped, be sure to get the shipping information and arrival date.

4. Prepare a praying mantis habitat before the creature arrives. Find a suitable location in your home to establish the habitat. Make sure it is safe from other pets and small children. Do not expose the habitat to direct sun light. Opt for room temperature instead. The habitat can consist of a simple tank with a screen over the top. (Paper towels should line the bottom.) Sticks will work well for a perch for your mantis.

5. Purchase food for your praying mantis. Younger praying mantis need to eat fruit flies, while older ones fed on crickets. Be sure to feed younger praying mantis daily. (You only need to feed older mantis about twice a week.) Food can be purchased at a pet food supply stores, or online.

Tips & Warnings

• Should you be unable to find a company or individual that sells live adult praying mantis, consider buying a praying mantis egg sac to hatch yourself. This method is cheaper and results in up to 200 mantis babies. Some of these can be set free, while others can be kept as pets. Praying mantis egg sacs are available at home and garden stores during Spring months, and online as well. Keep your receipt and only buy from sellers that guarantee the praying mantis egg sac will hatch.

• If more than one praying mantis is purchased, be sure to house males and females separately. This will help ensure a longer life for the male mantis.

• Do not feed wild crickets to a praying mantis, as they might be tainted with harmful pesticides or other chemicals.

Resources

• National Geographic