Orchid mantises

[butterflybetta]

I might be interested in getting an orchid mantis (in the future, not right now though), so if anyone here has any tips on keeping them feel free to leave any tips!
I also have some questions about them
Where can I get them in the U.S.? Are there any trusted breeders I could get them from?
In your opinion, are they good pets? They definitely look really cool and I would be happy to feed them flies and wasps lol.
How big should their enclosure be? I know it has to be 3 times their length and 2 times their width, but is there a certain enclosure size they do best in?
Are they aggressive toward mirrors? / Does their reflection ever stress them out?
And lastly, is there anything I should know before getting one?

 

[Willj626]

I think they make great pets! Just make sure you have a steady supply of food that will last throughout the year. Something between the size of a 5-10 gallon tank would be best - but keep in mind the enclosure should be taller than it is wider. Humidity requirements aren't a huge concern so you could easily make a wooden box frame and use a a fine mesh for the walls. Also put some live plants in there with it. I have no idea about mirrors to be honest. When I bought my leaf insects they came from usmantis.com so that seems to me to be a reputable site for purchasing pet insects. Hope this helps (I kept a mantis a few years ago and leaf insects last year)

 

[butterflybetta]

I think they make great pets! Just make sure you have a steady supply of food that will last throughout the year. Something between the size of a 5-10 gallon tank would be best - but keep in mind the enclosure should be taller than it is wider. Humidity requirements aren't a huge concern so you could easily make a wooden box frame and use a a fine mesh for the walls. Also put some live plants in there with it. I have no idea about mirrors to be honest. When I bought my leaf insects they came from usmantis.com so that seems to me to be a reputable site for purchasing pet insects. Hope this helps (I kept a mantis a few years ago and leaf insects last year)

Ty! It did help! I found a display case that’s 9” tall and 6” wide that I’m thinking of using (I just have to put silicone on the inside and make a mesh lid for it though). I’m definitely going to use real plants. Do you know any substrates that would work for both plants and the orchid mantis?
Also thanks for the website! Unfortunately, it looks like orchid mantises are sold out everywhere lol. I did find another trusted seller and I joined a waitlist for the orchid mantises.
Do you happen to know if they need a heat pad? Some websites say they do fine in room temperature, but others say they need 80-85°F. Lastly, do you have to clean their enclosure weekly? I’m planning on also getting some isopods.

 

[Willj626]

Ty! It did help! I found a display case that’s 9” tall and 6” wide that I’m thinking of using (I just have to put silicone on the inside and make a mesh lid for it though). I’m definitely going to use real plants. Do you know any substrates that would work for both plants and the orchid mantis?
Also thanks for the website! Unfortunately, it looks like orchid mantises are sold out everywhere lol. I did find another trusted seller and I joined a waitlist for the orchid mantises.
Do you happen to know if they need a heat pad? Some websites say they do fine in room temperature, but others say they need 80-85°F. Lastly, do you have to clean their enclosure weekly? I’m planning on also getting some isopods.

I used zoomed creature soil for my insects and that also worked great for my plants to grow in. I did not use a heating pad for my mantis or stick insects, I just kept their terrariums in warmer areas of my room. With isopods you shouldn't have to worry much at all about cleaning the enclosure beyond maybe sifting through the surface soil once a month or so.
Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for your orchid mantis!

 

[skar]

They need some added humidity (misting)
And a type of mesh top to the enclosure.
TV hey molt upside down and if they hit /touch something while molting they will die.

They do really well on flys for food, I've done crickets but... it's more difficult.

Btw bugsincyberspace.com does sell mantids.
I'm not affiliated with them but I had good results ordering from him.
Good luck