praying mantis are they safe to feed chameleons???????

[shiftyeyes]

i know chameleons can eat mantis's and what not but my question is are they safe to feed your chams because of the front claws that the mantis's have?
i am thinking about breeding mantis's and just wondering if anyone has had and problems or concerns about feeding them?

 

[Lizardlover]

Normally the impact that the tongue has on the mantis renders them defenseless. However, if your chameleon is weak or has feeding issues I would suggest sticking to smaller mantid prey to reduce the risk of injury. Otherwise, you should have no problems as long as the mantis is of suitable size.

 

[SSimsswiSS]

I have fed hundreds of mantis, raptors and all. Some really big mantis in the 6 inch range with big spikes get there arms removed before feeding. Same with large grasshoppers. Hind legs get removed to prevent gum line injuries.