Mantis

Mantis ootheca are seasonal: we ship them from March until May 1. They are more viable early on, and can take a long time to hatch: so the recommended timeline for this project starts in March, and should not be combined with caterpillars. Wedo not recommend order after June as by that time success rates are slow. We do recommend pre-ordering your ootheca, as numbers are limited. 

Mantis Hatchlings are available from April through October as quantities hatch, and are on a first come, first serve basis. We cannot guarantee stock at any given time so if you are worried about timing, please inquire by phone for availability. They are easiest to get in the springtime. If you are ordering in the late summer or fall, quanitties are only available as our own egg cases hatch so be prepared for a wait.. 

Praying Mantis are amazing little predators, a perfect educational tool and very interesting insect to keep as a pet. You will receive your Mantis as an ootheca - an egg case - which contain anywhere from 50 to 300 eggs. We do not sell individual or adult mantis. As tiny babies, they are voracious and will need to eat almost every day: we recommend starting a colony of flightless fruit flies to supply your little critters with enough to eat (sold separately), unless you intend to put the ootheca outside directly. Adults are large (up to 10 cm), and green or brownish with papery wings. This species is approved for release across Canada, although they are a non native predator of everything from butterflies to bees, they are legal for release. We do ask that you consider your native wildlife before releasing a non-native predator such as a mantis.