Can Preying Mantises be kept as pets?

Question

If so, how do you get one, and how do you take care of it?

Answer 1

well, I have kept mantids that I found around my area. They make fantasitc pets, well thats s little bias because I am an entomologist, but they are really neat. They seem to adapt very quickly to being in captivity. The aquariums are really fun to set up too if you like that kind of thing. They like branches and logs, so you can have like a jungle scene going on. They need to be fed usually every three days or so. I used top feed mine crickets that you can but at the pet store. Just toss in 2 or 3 like I saidtwice a week and watch the excitement. They do require water, a mister bottle comes in very handy here. They tend to hang from the cover of the aquarium, so you can let some drops fall right onto their head. You can also put a small light on the top of the terrarium, as long as you give them the option of shade in one end of the tank. You can hold them too, they dont bite people oddly enough, they could if they wanted to, but they never do. Another cool thing is that they will also sometimes eat out of your hand. The adults can fly, so if you intend on keeping it, dont let it outside unattended. You can usually find them around lights at night, where they hunt for moths, or even in flower gardens during the day. Im not sure if they are sold commercially, I have checked and never found any, but you might be able to find an exotic pet dealer in your area that has them. Good luck!

No! they are not endangered...........

Answer 2

I have kept them for short periods of time, the ones I have found where i live. I think some pet stores have them. You have to feed them insects and give them water. You can mist the terrarium with a spray bottle. You can look up praying mantis on the net for specific care of the species you choose.

Answer 3

no it is against the law because they are endangered!