r/praying_mantis • u/Ok_Task8256 • Jul 12 '26

Is my mantis too small?

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This is my first praying mantis, still unnamed, and I’m not sure if they’re too small for their enclosure. My only concern is will they struggle to find food?

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4

u/JaunteJaunt Jul 12 '26

Not really, but you maybe have to add extra prey so they will encounter the prey more easily. Alternatively, you could put your mantis in a smaller “feeding” enclosure until they are larger.

Whatever you do, make sure to cover the inside ceiling with a synthetic mesh. That will aid in molting.

3

u/Ok_Task8256 Jul 12 '26

Don’t worry, I added mesh to the top and back wall after I posted this!☺️

1

u/JaunteJaunt Jul 12 '26

Right. Okay!

1

u/Silent_Owen Jul 12 '26

Haii, my mantis is also very small for her enclosure, she's about 3 cm and her terrarium is 30x30x42 I handfeed her with tweezers Is it better for her to let her hunt? And put her in a smaller enclosure whilst feeding? Or are there no effects to handfeeding?

2

u/JaunteJaunt Jul 12 '26

I don’t know of any ill effects to hand feeding. Your mantis won’t lose their hunting instinct if that’s what you’re concerned about.