How to Raise a Baby Preying Mantis

Young praying mantises (called "nymphs") require different care than adults mantises. Once mantis nymphs hatch from their eggs, they resemble smaller versions of the adults. Scientists call this "incomplete metamorphosis" because they do not go through a pupal stage, but rather hatch as fully-formed mantids. Mantis nymphs will molt, or shed their exoskeleton, as they grow

Things You'll Need

  • Small plastic or glass container with lid
  • Sticks
  • Paper towel
  • Mesh screen (optional)
  • Fruit flies
  • Aphids or micro-crickets
  • Spray bottle
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean and rinse a small plastic or glass container with a lid for your mantis nymphs. Typically the container should be two to three times the length of the mantis. If multiple nymphs are housed together, use a larger container.

    • 2

      Prepare the enclosure for your mantis by placing a paper towel at the bottom for substrate and inserting one or two small sticks to provide a base to molt from. Avoid overcrowding the container.

    • 3

      Create small air holes in your container lid if none are present, or attach a mesh screen securely to the top.

    • 4

      Place the mantis nymph enclosure in a warm area, or under an external heat lamp to maintain a temperature between 75 and 80 degrees F.

    • 5

      Feed mantis nymphs small fruit flies, aphids or micro-crickets daily. Feeder insects should be small enough for the mantis to catch in its arms. Increase the size of the insects as the mantis grows.

    • 6

      Mist the enclosure at least once a day with water. During molting mist more frequently, as humidity makes the process easier.