How to Feed a Praying Mantis

Feeding a praying mantis is a fun and educational way to observe the natural world while caring for the animal. A praying mantis is a popular insect-predator that is known for having a ferocious appetite. Experiencing these feeding and is performed easily when done properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Small live insects

Feeding a Praying Mantis

1. Make sure you have a habitat chosen for the feeding. Performing this can be done inside the enclosure for the praying mantis, but make sure it is not too big of a space that has unreachable spots for the praying mantis to catch and eat its prey.
2. Catch or buy some small live insects. Pet stores will usually have some aphids or small insects for feed in stock. If you want to be more daring though, you may also get an insect net and catch some insect on your own.
3. Choose the right insects to feed your praying mantis. Praying mantises, just like humans, vary in size in different times in their lives and you will want to make sure you are not feeding the mantis something that could potentially overtake it or that is not convenient for its age. Praying mantises prefer to eat aphids, flies, moths, caterpillars and other insects with a soft inside. Spiders are also OK if they are smaller and less dangerous than your mantis.
4. Put the chosen insect into the praying mantis habitat. You can do this by placing the insects on a twig, or leaf and putting them in. In the case of insects that fly, then trap the insects in a cup or jar and open the lid inside the feeding area, closing it quickly after release.
5. Feed your mantis often, repeating these steps as necessary. Since praying mantises have huge appetites, it is important to feed them a good amount of insects every other day. If you'd like, you may also pay attention to your mantis's individual eating preferences.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when handling insects as they may be poisonous and bite or have stingers.