Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My frind found a mantis last night and gave it to me this morning. I've never kept a mantid as a pet before, so I need a little help.

I can tell he's male, as I found a female last year and can see the difference. He's really beat-up looking. Anyways, he's missing his left middle leg, and the foot-like area of his furthest back right leg. The tips of his wings are also damaged.

So I'd like to know if he'll ever grow those body parts back. (Though he seems to be doing alright without them.)

I gave him ten crickets this morning and he's eaten about 8 of them. I need to know whether I should give him a small amount of water or not. I don't know if mantids get their water from the bugs they eat or what...

Also, I'm keeping him in a small tank/aquarium with paper on the bottom so he doesn't slide all over the place. Anything in particular I should be putting in his cage?

Thanks, I appreciate any help you can give me.

At this time of year, mantids are nearing the end of their natural lifespan, hence the battered look and missing leg of yours. I would not over-feed him at this point, especially since he is no longer growing, won't be producing eggs, and it might be a strain on his aging body to digest large quantities of food. Misting him daily with water is probably a good idea, in any case.