How To Breed & Raise Praying Mantises

How To Breed & Raise Praying Mantises
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Preparation & Pairing

Breeding mantises is generally straightforward, but preparation is everything. A single ootheca (egg case) can produce dozens to hundreds of nymphs, so make sure you are ready for the commitment.

Before Pairing, Make Sure You Have:

  • A mature male and female — both must be fully adult (winged)
  • Adequate time and space — nymphs require frequent feeding and separation
  • Feeder insect cultures — melanogaster, hydei, and pinhead crickets
  • Nymph enclosures — deli cups, mesh cages, or small tubs

Determining Sexual Maturity

  • Females: Larger bodies, wider abdomens, and fully developed wings that do not extend past the abdomen tip.
  • Males: Smaller, slimmer, with wings that extend beyond the abdomen. Males are more active and flight‑prone.

Conditioning Before Pairing

Mantises are notorious for sexual cannibalism. To reduce risk:

  • Feed the female heavily for several days before pairing.
  • Offer a large feeder (roach, cricket, or moth) immediately before introducing the male.
  • Ensure the male is well-fed and energetic.

Let the mantises see each other by placing their enclosures side‑by‑side for 24–48 hours. This reduces stress and helps the male recognize the female’s pheromones.

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Setting Up the Pairing

A 12x12 mesh enclosure or pop‑up insect cube works best. It gives the male room to approach safely and retreat if needed.

Pairing Steps

  1. Place the female inside first so she can settle.
  2. Introduce the male on the opposite side of the enclosure, facing the backside of the female.

Courtship Behavior

Males typically:

  • Wave their antennae
  • Tremble or rock their bodies
  • Approach slowly from behind

If the female is receptive, she will remain calm and allow the male to climb onto her back. The male will align his abdomen with hers to transfer his reproductive material.

Important Notes

  • Pairing may take 1–4 hours.
  • Some species require multiple mating attempts for a fertile ootheca.
  • Remove the male only after both lose interest and separate naturally.

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Eggs & Ootheca Care

After mating, the female will produce an ootheca (egg case) within 2–6 weeks, depending on species and temperature.

Ootheca Laying

The female will:

  • Choose a vertical surface
  • Create a foamy mass
  • Embed the eggs inside
  • Harden the foam into a protective case

A single female may lay several oothecae over her lifetime.

Removing the Ootheca

You may:

  • Remove it and place it in a separate hatching container
  • Gently lift the ootheca if it is not firmly attached
  • If attached to decor, move the entire piece

Incubation Conditions

  • Temperature: Species dependent
  • Humidity: Species dependent

Hatching typically occurs in 4–8 weeks, though some species (like Tenodera) may take longer.

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Nymph Development Stages

Hatching

Nymphs emerge as tiny, ant‑like versions of adults. They will hang from the ootheca by silk threads before dropping down and expanding their bodies.

Early Instars (L1–L3)

  • Extremely small and fragile
  • Low-High risk of cannibalism
  • Require constant access to small prey

Mid Instars (L4–L6)

  • More robust
  • Can take larger prey
  • Begin showing species‑specific colors and patterns

Late Instars (L7–Adult)

  • Sex becomes obvious
  • Females grow significantly larger
  • Males develop longer wings and slimmer bodies

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Caring for Nymphs

Supplies Needed

  • 32oz deli cups
  • 5.5oz deli cups
  • Mesh lids or pinhole ventilation
  • Excelsior or fake plants for climbing
  • Fruit fly cultures (melanogaster & hydei)
  • Mister bottle

Start multiple feeder cultures before the ootheca hatches.

Communal Housing

Mantises are not naturally communal, but temporary group housing is possible for early instars:

  • L1–L2 can be kept in a 32oz deli cup with dense climbing material
  • Feed heavily to reduce cannibalism
  • Separate as soon as possible

Separating Nymphs

Recommended separation timeline:

  • L1–L2: Communal
  • L3–L4: Begin separating
  • L4–L6: Individual 5.5oz cups
  • L7–Adult: 16–32oz enclosures

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Feeding

Mantises grow rapidly and require frequent meals.

Feeding Schedule

  • L1–L2: Melanogaster fruit flies daily
  • L3–L4: Hydei fruit flies or pinhead crickets every 1–2 days
  • L5–L6: Small roaches or houseflies
  • Subadult–Adult: Appropriately sized prey every 3–5 days

Important Feeding Notes

  • Remove uneaten prey
  • Overfeeding females before pairing reduces cannibalism
  • Hydration is essential — mist lightly every 1–2 days
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