Do Praying Mantis Make Good Pets?
Praying mantises are an intriguing creature that has fascinated people for centuries with their masterful camouflage, mysterious behaviour and hunting prowess. Many people consider mantises as an ideal pet choice due to their hardiness, peaceful nature, and entertaining antics.
Pros of Having a Praying Mantis as a Pet
- Easy to Care For – Praying mantises are very easy to care for as they only require consistently warm temperatures, humidity levels that stay between 60-80%, and a diet of crickets and other small insects.
- They Don’t Carry Diseases – Praying mantises are not known to carry any diseases, making them a relatively safe pet choice for people of all ages.
- Stunningly Beautiful – Mantises come in many shapes, sizes, and colours and most varieties possess highly attractive patterns and hues, making mantises a unique and attractive pet.
- They Don’t Need Much Space –Prays mantises don’t require large cages or terrariums as they are relatively small, requiring just a small container for their home.
Cons of Having a Praying Mantis as a Pet
- Short Lifespan – Praying mantises have a short lifespan of only 6-8 months, meaning you’ll have to replace your pet frequently.
- Cannibalism – Generally mantises only eat live prey, so you’ll need to find a regular source of food, and at times they may even eat each other so they must be housed individually.
- Potential to Escape – Although they won’t wander around, these can be expert escape artists, so you’ll need to make sure your tank has a tightly fitted lid.
- May Not Be for Everyone – Most praying mantises are relatively inactive and often just sit still͛͛,so if you’re looking for an interactpet this may not be the right pet.
In conclusion, praying mantises can make great pets for people who understand their needs and can provide them with the proper care and environment to thrive. However, it is important to remember that they are still wild animals and that they have certain needs that must be met in order to have a happy and content pet.
