How Do I Raise a Baby Praying Mantis?

A praying mantis egg case can hold hundreds of eggs. The eggs turn into nymphs before they hatch. This all happens within about 6 weeks. The nymph, or baby praying mantis, looks like a miniature replica of a full-grown mantis. As the baby grows, it sheds is exoskeleton several times before reaching its mature size, which is anywhere between half an inch to 6 inches, depending on the species.

Things You'll Need

  • Small twigs
  • Small, clear lidded container
  • Spray bottle
  • Live fruit flies
  • Small crickets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get a clear, lidded container that is two to three times longer than your baby praying mantis. Wash and dry it thoroughly.

    • 2

      Place shredded cardboard, a folded paper towel or layer of grass in the bottom of the container. Set two to three twigs upright in the container, leaning against the edges.

    • 3

      Poke air vents in the lid of the clear container. Make them very small so the nymph does not escape.

    • 4

      Put the nymph in the container and close the lid. Set the home under a light or keep in a warm room. Praying mantis are most comfortable in temperatures around 80 degrees.

    • 5

      Spray the insect home with water daily. This helps in the molting process.

    • 6

      Feed the baby praying mantis fruit flies each day. Keep the fruit flies in the refrigerator as the cold temperature slows them down. As the mantis grows, increase the size of his food source to include small crickets.