Mantodea (Praying Mantis)

Age:
Origin: Warm temperate regions
Length: 8 to 10 centimeters
This grasshopper's name comes from the folded front legs they have. The name grasshopper is not quite appropriate as they are more closely related to the cockroach than to the grasshopper. They are brown or green in color with long wings topped with a white or yellow spot.
Care:
Experience: Little experience is required for keeping this species.
Food: Carnivore.
Feeding adults: 3 to 5 times a week different types of insects
Feed young: Daily aphids, springtails and fruit flies
Water Bowl: No, If watered daily.

Power supply
The praying mantis eats various types of insects such as house flies, hoverflies, crickets, locusts, mealworms and cockroaches. It is important that these are fed live, otherwise they will not be recognized as prey. The prey should not be too big and fit in the locust's catch legs.
Care must be taken not to overfeed the locusts, which can result in death. The locust's belly should look convex but not on the verge of bursting. This can be prevented by limiting the feeding of crickets and mealworms.

Water
It is important to spray a part of the grasshopper's enclosure with water about twice a week. The praying mantis takes out a lot of moisture when it has just been sprayed. An enclosure with young locusts may be sprayed more often per week (make sure it is not too wet, as young animals can drown in drops that are too large).

Cleaning
the praying mantis is quite easy to clean. Remove feces and other filthy spots daily. Replace the bedding once every 6 to 8 weeks. Make sure that no cleaning agents are used when cleaning, as they can be harmful to the locusts. If it is nevertheless possible to use cleaning agent, it is important that it is rinsed thoroughly.

Handling
It is best to handle praying mantises as little as possible. Annoying nymphs should be left completely alone. when a nasty grasshopper is handled there is a good chance that they will die. If a grasshopper needs to be picked up, it is best to do this with a brush.

Housing
Minimum stay size: For 1 grasshopper a stay of 30*30*40
Day temperature: 22-30 degrees Celsius
Night temperature: 20-25 degrees Celsius
Hours of light: 8 to 12 hours per day
Humidity Level: 60-70%
Soil Cover: 1 inch (2.5 cm) of moist coco peat or peat

Design
The design of the terrarium for a praying mantis is quite simple. Plants and curved branches can be placed, but there must be space to walk around and to molt.
When a water bowl is placed, it must be ensured that the grasshopper cannot drown in it. The layer of water must be minimal or stones or a sponge must be placed on the bottom so that it can be drunk.

Behaviour
Lifestyle: Solitary, active day and night
Character
Praying mantises often reside on plants and wait here for prey that passes by or flies by. They only observe moving prey, which is also the reason that conspecifics can be seen as prey and fall victim to cannibalism.

Points of attention
Cannibalism can occur in praying mantises, this can be prevented by feeding the animals sufficiently.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation: You do not need CITES or transfer papers to own a praying mantis.
One-off costs: This includes the costs for accommodation, lighting, heating and any decoration. This can cost a few tens to hundreds of euros in total. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Besides water and electricity, there are no costs
Unexpected costs: Are hardly there