2006-11-02 05:00:03 · 17 answers · asked by justin f 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
no.
2006-11-02 05:01:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Probably not: the killing myth was debunked by Snopes:
"The belief that it is illegal to kill a praying mantis (a crime carrying a $50 fine as a punishment) has been floating around since the 1950s, and we have no idea where this bit of insectoid legal apocrypha came from. There is not (and never has been) any federal or state law proscribing the killing of praying mantises. They're certainly useful insects that are best left alone since they eat a lot of other bugs we consider pests, but they're hardly an endangered species. (If they were endangered, killing them would carry a fine far heftier than $50.) Maybe because they're considered beneficial insects and have such an unusual posture (they're prayin', fer gosh sake!) people literally thought it a crime to kill them. "
Also:
" It is often said it is illegal to have a praying mantis as a pet or to kill them. This is not true. This was a story told by farmers in the past to keep people from taking them from their "job" of eating pest insects. "
And there are sites on the web that will sell them to you!
2006-11-02 13:19:04 · answer #2 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is illegal to capture or harm a praying mantis, because they are endangered.
But you can have them on your property.
People use praying mantis to control the insects on their property and there are companies where you can order praying mantis larva to release in your yard.
Also there are companies that make things to attract a praying mantis to your property.
2006-11-02 13:12:43 · answer #3 · answered by Doom Kisses 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. It is not illegal to capture a praying mantis, just do not harm it in any way, shape, or fashion.
2006-11-05 09:37:26 · answer #4 · answered by Alfie The Bumb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to say, for most species, no.
You can buy praying mantis egg cases mail order (check EBay), and that wouldn't happen if it were illegal to catch praying mantises!
2006-11-02 13:57:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I was always taught that you are not suppose to catch them. I hear they have a micro chip and the police will come get you the second you catch one.
I caught one when I was a kid and kept it as a pet. It turned brown, so I let it go. I miss it so much.
2006-11-02 13:02:58 · answer #6 · answered by Piranha 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What are you going to do with it? I caught one & put it in my house with all my plants, she eats the spiders & other bugs. Her name was Rose. She is gone now, but I loved her dearly! They are great creatures! Please don't harm them, anything that eats spiders is o.k. in my book. Is not illegal to catch, only illegal to harm. thay ARE an endangered species.
2006-11-02 13:27:53 · answer #7 · answered by Crystal A 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No but they do eat bugs that are labeled pests and as usual, it's not good to kill things whether it's against the law or not. On that not, do you think that the cops would show up at your door if you did kill one and it was against the law?
2006-11-02 13:01:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes in some states they are protected
2006-11-02 13:02:02 · answer #9 · answered by scooterpie 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is illegal to harm them
2006-11-02 13:01:38 · answer #10 · answered by Jorge W 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not sure, but why would you want to? Let natural animals live free in their natural environments. . .
2006-11-02 13:02:08 · answer #11 · answered by In God's Image 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋