Hypsibius Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 I'm thinking of getting a mantis at some point this summer. I'd just like to know if any of you guys know any species that are particularly good for beginners? I've heard Sphodromantis aurea and Hierodula membranacea are good species. Do you guys have any experience with them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trailblazr80 Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 I have Sphodromantis viridis. He bites sometimes, but seems hardy and easy to feed. I also have two Creobroter pictipennis. They are a little skittish, but don't mind being handled. They do jump, though, so you have to be careful. I heard Phyllocrania paradoxa (ghost mantids) are good beginner mantids, and also shield mantids. Shields are a little more expensive, but get big, and live a little longer than the average year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acro Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 You should check out mantidforum.net as there is lots of good info and sources there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hypsibius Posted June 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 Ah, I see. I know they aren't venomous, but with your experience of their bites, do they hurt much? Also, I'll check that forum. Thank you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexW Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 Mantis bites hurt a lot, but usually can't penetrate skin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hypsibius Posted June 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 Ah, I see. Well, I'd be willing to put up with that, as I think mantids are beautiful insects. At the moment I'm considering a number of different arthropods to keep. If I do get a mantis, I think it will probably be a Congo Green mantis, as I've heard they can be hardy. Thanks for the help guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trailblazr80 Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 Sometimes they don't hurt at all. I wouldn't worry about bites, as most mantids can be handled just fine. I think my next one will be a shield mantis! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hypsibius Posted July 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2014 Thought I'd post here rather than make a new thread-I'm still considering a mantis but I'm just wondering if there are any other invertebrates that you guys would recommend for beginners? I've heard cockroaches are easy to care for, I've apparently heard some millipedes aren't too difficult either (though I am a little skeptical of that) I'm just wondering if there are any others you guys know would be good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexW Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 Isopods are not hard to care for, generally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amici Con Coleotteri Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 Death feigning beetles...isopods...Check out bugsincyberspace.com if you haven't already! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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