Beginner's Guide to Praying Mantis Care: Tips from Mantis NI Experts

If you’ve ever come across a praying mantis and found yourself totally captivated, you’re not alone. These curious-looking little creatures have a way of drawing people in — with their big eyes, calm posture, and alien-like movements. Believe it or not, they also make great pets.

This guide is for beginners who are just getting into mantis keeping. With some help from the folks over at Mantis NI, we’ve put together everything you need to know to get started — in plain, real-world terms.

Why Keep a Mantis?

Let’s be honest — most people don’t think of insects as pets. But once you’ve spent a little time watching a mantis hunt, clean its arms, or just stare at you like it’s trying to figure you out, you’ll start to see the appeal.

They’re clean, quiet, and don’t take up much space. No barking, no fur, and no tank filters to change. Just a fascinating little predator that you can observe up close.

Picking the Right Mantis

Not all mantises are beginner-friendly. Some can be fussy with temperature or humidity, and others are just more delicate. If it’s your first time keeping one, you’ll want to go with a hardy species like a Ghost Mantis, Chinese Mantis, or Giant Asian Mantis. These guys are pretty forgiving if you make a few rookie mistakes — and let’s face it, we all do.

Getting the Setup Right

This is one of the most important parts of mantis care. A good setup means your mantis can live comfortably and molt safely — and that’s key to keeping them healthy.

Choosing an Enclosure

When it comes to praying mantis enclosures, bigger isn’t always better — but it does need to be tall. Height is more important than width because mantises molt while hanging upside down. A good rule? The enclosure should be about three times taller than your mantis is long, and at least twice as wide.

People use all sorts of things: plastic containers, mesh cages, or custom acrylic enclosures. Just make sure there’s good ventilation.

Substrate and Climbing Options

You’ll need a base layer that holds some moisture. Coconut fiber, moss, or even damp paper towel works well. Then add some twigs or mesh for climbing — they need spots to perch and hang from when they molt.

Light, Heat, and Humidity

Most mantises are happy at room temperature — somewhere between 22–28°C (72–82°F) is ideal. If your home is on the cooler side, a small heat mat can help. Just don’t let things get too hot.

Humidity depends on the species, but many do well with a light misting once a day. Some like it drier, others a bit more humid. Watch your mantis and adjust as needed — they’ll tell you if something’s off.

What to Feed Them

Here’s where it gets interesting. Mantises eat live food — they’re hunters, after all. You’ll be feeding them things like:

• Fruit flies (for tiny mantises)
• Small crickets
• Houseflies
• Roaches

Feed every couple of days. If they’re not hungry, they won’t eat — simple as that. Just take out any uneaten insects so they don’t bug your mantis (pun intended).

Molting: A Tricky But Natural Process

Mantises shed their skin to grow — it’s called molting. It looks a bit freaky the first time you see it, but it’s totally normal.

Here’s the important part: don’t disturb them during this time. They need a safe space, proper humidity, and zero stress. If you see your mantis hanging upside down and not moving much, leave it alone — it’s probably getting ready to molt.

Where to Find One

If you’re looking for a praying mantis for sale, go through breeders or shops that specialize in insects. You want someone who knows what they’re doing, not just a random seller tossing bugs in the post.

It’s not about price — it’s about getting a healthy mantis that’s been raised properly and comes with clear care info.

Can You Handle a Mantis?

Kind of. Some mantises tolerate gentle handling, while others prefer to be left alone. Don’t try to pick them up from above (they hate that). Instead, let them walk onto your hand if they want to. It’s more like a slow, peaceful interaction than a cuddly one.

Keeping Things Clean

Praying mantises are tidy little pets. Clean out old food and waste every few days, and do a deeper clean every couple of weeks. No smells, no big messes. Just keep an eye out for mold and make sure everything stays dry enough between mistings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who enjoys watching nature up close — like, really close — a mantis might be your kind of pet. They’re easy to care for, endlessly interesting, and surprisingly chill.

The key is getting the basics right: a proper praying mantis set up, the right praying mantis enclosure, and an understanding of their habits. Once you’ve got that down, you’re all set.

So whether you're just curious or already browsing for a praying mantis for sale, give it a go. These little creatures have a way of turning curiosity into a full-blown hobby — and maybe even a lifelong fascination.