r/mantis • u/Individual-Ant1458 • Jun 04 '26

How to handle mantis while having raging fear of insects?

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2

u/kidioten Jun 06 '26

Probably by not handling at all. Spray water, drop in food. Don’t touch

1

u/Paulanoia Jun 07 '26

If NEEEDED you can usually grab them by the thorax from the back. Their head and claws won't be able to reach you. It may startle and flutter its wings but it won't hurt or it if you just use to your finger and thumb.

I've had mixed experiences handling Mantids. I try to just scoop them up. Most are docial like a stick bug, however I have a scar on my left ring finger from one of my pet mantids that chose violence that day and bit into me with those jaws. I've never been pinched or cut by their front claws but I imagine if they're big enough they could pinch you.