Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Someone please help! I recently bought a Ghost Mantid. She was doing fine when I first bought her, as far as eating, she even went through her second shedding, but now she is very thin and won't eat the fruit flies I give her, and is unable to catch the crickets I give her. What can I do? I am new to owning mantids and am really worried about her starving to death. Any suggestions of other feeder insects? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.
-Dbker86

I own 5 Ghosts myself, and have done some reading on them. It is quite common for them to eat more and more infrequently as they get older. They are also notoriously picky eaters. Many will refuse crickets, or catch one, take a bite or two, and drop it. My ghosts really like houseflies. I buy the pupae online, which makes things simple. The pupae are stored in the fridge, so they don't hatch. I take a few out every few days and put in the mantid's cage. A couple days later they hatch, and the mantids feast! Also, are you spraying the cage a little every day to give them some humidity? Good luck!

humidity and temperature is another crucial factor in keeping mantids. Most aren't as hardy as you think! Be sure that the temperature is warm, not cool. and the humidity is fairly high. Not too damp. In my experience, mantids with high humidty provide great carriers for mold, bacteria, and mites. A mist twice a day will suffice, but don't forget it! That said, with higher humidity and even more importantly, temperature, Your Ghost mantid should start eating. If not, try other types of food. Moths and flies are a favorite. (NO wasps or bees though!)
regards,
Craig Condon
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save a cow, eat a vegetarian