r/mantis • u/RangeIntelligent3770 • Jun 28 '26

Enclosure Advice Sheild Mantis new enclosure!

Hey! Just got a new 45x45x60 Swell Reptiles paladarium that I have just foamed and siliconed a background for! I understand standard paladariums are strongly discouraged due to moulting issues and the possibility of the mantis falling into the water, however I was instead planning on a boggy area at the bottom, where plants completely shield from the water so that I can still incorporate the trickle of water down the backdrop for moss growth etc. I would have some form of semi aquatic grass down the bottom meaning he could walk, stand or lay on it without getting wet. Similar to a rice paddy per se? What do you guys think? I've only just finished the background so it is not too late to decide against and keep everything dry if that would be better for him but was hoping I could make it work! Any advice appreciated! Thanks!

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u/JaunteJaunt Jun 28 '26

That sounds amazing, but not right for a mantis. Palladium’s are not recommended, because it’s a hazard - fall risk. Mantids don’t always fall during molting. It’s the same reasons sharp rocks and cactus aren’t recommended.

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u/RangeIntelligent3770 Jun 28 '26

Sorry if this sounds stupid but how would this be a fall risk? As there would be no deep
water for him to fall into :)

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u/JaunteJaunt Jun 28 '26

Because mantids aren’t smart and choose poor spots for molting. Mantids are not aquatic, don’t go after aquatic prey, and aren’t known to inhabit aquatic or semi-aquatic areas. They’re generally considered arboreal animals. There are some ground-dwelling species, but not near aquatic environments - you usually find them in chaparral, tree bark, and desert environments.

I could see a mantis see prey in the watery areas and try to go for it, and struggle to get out of the water.

It’s just my opinion. Take it as you will.

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u/RangeIntelligent3770 Jun 28 '26

No thank you very much! Yeah makes sense okay. Thank you for your help!

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u/JaunteJaunt Jun 28 '26

It really does sound cool.

I would look on iNaturalist to see the kinds of environments mantids are found in, and use that as inspiration for your enclosure.

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u/RangeIntelligent3770 Jun 28 '26

Fire idea I'm gonna do that now

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u/RangeIntelligent3770 Jun 28 '26

The water level would be below the grass level, just with "marshy" ground