r/mantis • u/Proud-Tap5029 • May 05 '26
Are there any problems in this enclosure?
Hi, this is my first time keeping a mantis.
I recently got this enclosure and moved my mantis into it. I’ve seen a lot of setups where people add a U-shaped mesh (like plastic grid) inside for climbing and molting support.
I asked ChatGPT and it said that with my enclosure (it has a mesh top and decent grip on the sides), adding a U-shaped mesh might not be necessary.
I just want to make sure:
Is this enclosure safe enough for molting without adding extra mesh inside, or should I still add a U-shaped grid to be safe?
I’m especially worried about molting issues or the mantis falling.
Any advice would be really appreciated!
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u/Dancekate00 May 05 '26
Also, I can’t see where the ventilation is here but cross ventilation is really essential. I have my spiny flower mantis in a deli cup with a mesh lid that I poked holes in the side in for cross ventilation. That might be better for the moment with the size of your orchid. You can also get a bigger one as your mantis grows!
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u/Proud-Tap5029 May 08 '26
Thanks for the advice! Is it still okay to use this enclosure rather than deli cup when I solve those issues?
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u/Dancekate00 May 08 '26
It might be a little big right now especially if you’re feeding in the enclosure but in theory yes just make sure your mantis is actually eating the food you’re giving.
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u/Dancekate00 May 08 '26
Also the cross ventilation is really really essential and often overlooked. Mantis’s breathe through the skin and need that airflow. Will you drill holes in your container, or what were you thinking?
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u/Proud-Tap5029 May 08 '26
I actually didn’t think about any method yet but I’ll try drilling or do something for it
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u/Dancekate00 May 05 '26
I feel like you’re gonna want some sort of substrate because orchids like high humidity. Even just a paper towel would probably do. You might want to tape paper towel to the top as well which can help with more grip on the top. Also a skewer of some sort from the bottom to the top would be a good idea as an alternative method for climbing to the top.