Hatching Mantids

I got three egg cases the other day and put them each in their own deli cup (mesh lid). They're in the garage now in about 75 degrees with medium humidity. What else do I need to do? When can I expect them to hatch?
 
they have to be sepearted into small groups soon after hatching.

and always make sure you provde enough food, and that wil reduce the cannibalism.

as for feeding them off, it depends on what size cham you have.

they are super tiny when hatched, so youl just hae to watch them to decide
 
Make sure they are secured to the top of the cup, with the "zipper" facing down.

You will see a distinct pattern running across one side in a line.
This is the "zipper".
This is where they will emerge from.
They will need to hang down from it to emerge, so make sure they have at least 2-3 inches clearance from the bottom of the cup.

Generally they will hatch in less than 20 days. Likely sooner.

I like to keep a small piece of wash cloth folded a few times on the bottom. I wet this, then let it dry out almost completely, then wet it again.
You do not want any standing water in the container at all though.

Their will be at least a hundred of the things coming out of each one, so using a larger size container is beneficial (a 32oz. cup works nicely).

Have fun! :)
 
They can be fed immediately.

They will start to cannibalize after a day or two, even if you make lots of prey available to them.

So yes keeping them in smaller groups, or individually is best.
 
Once they hatch, which is usually about a month, give them a day or so with no food. Adding ff too soon after hatching (when they are unable to eat them due to not being fully hardened) makes them run around frantic and trying to avoid them. This can stress them and a lot could die from the stress. I'd say after they hatch, give them a day to harden and just mist for the next day or so and then add the ff. Cannibalism shouldn't be a major concern so shortly after hatching.
 
Back
Top Bottom