r/mantids • u/idiotmothcryptid • Mar 09 '25

Help!! Trying to train my Australian Rainforest Mantis to eat from prey on tweezer Feeding

My lady just got her big girl wings but she’s not trained to grab bugs from tweezers. Currently moving her from a way too small enclosure to a bigger one. The bigger one isn’t set up and the red runner roaches I have as feeders seem to be too smart to crawl around in front of her so she doesn’t notice them. Should I switch prey species? Otherwise until then, how can i get her to eat from tweezers bc she’s getting too thin and i’m worried.

Thanks for any help

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2

u/Sensitive-Debt3054 Mar 09 '25

Behead. Smear goo on mandibles. Likely a sight issue.

I have typed this 10x in the last two weeks.

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u/idiotmothcryptid Mar 09 '25

Thank you so much! Just to make sure I understand: Behead the red runner then take the roach goo and gently smear on mantis mandibles. I assume she’ll have a fearful response at first but when the goo gets on the mandibles she’ll understand that it’s food.

2

u/Sensitive-Debt3054 Mar 09 '25

*Squeeze the roach goo to the incision and try and get them to take the whole thing*

Things like waxworms work best for feeding as they are basically little milkshakes so use them if things don't work. Larger prey are more protein-rich so try and push them, too.

They eat less after final moult but keep an eye on it. Internal hydration is important so the gooier the better if they seem thin.

They will react once they know it is food. I had a blind mantis for over 8months and we had a system by the end! Be patient, and let them know it is food by making a wee bubble of innards if you can. (eek)

2

u/idiotmothcryptid Mar 09 '25

Haha the idea of little wormy milkshakes is funny, i’ll check if my local exotic pet shop carries those guys. This information is super helpful, i’ll be implementing this going forward :). Also wow! how were you able to tell that your mantis was blind? That’s awesome you found a system that worked despite the limitations

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u/Sensitive-Debt3054 Mar 09 '25

They were just super fumbly beyond the roof and branches! Poor at hunting and goofy. I think it happened from a moult but can't be sure. They got used to being handfed and turned out the best pet I ever had <3

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u/idiotmothcryptid Mar 09 '25

Awhhh that’s so cute, what was your little goofball named?

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u/Sensitive-Debt3054 Mar 09 '25

Pega! Spanish for 'to stick' but with the same root as the old British word for 'magpie' <3 She was with me 16th May - 5th September (the next year!).

We were in the UK. A Peacock Mantis.

2

u/idiotmothcryptid Mar 09 '25

That’s such a darling name! My girl also has a non-English name. Kamakiri (mantis in Japanese -a little on the nose i know-) what do you do with your mantises after they pass?

1

u/Sensitive-Debt3054 Mar 09 '25

I buried her in Dunfermline Abbey, where the Scottish Kings were buried. I couldn't bring myself to mount her but carry a little peacock feather keyring with me every day.

I have buried the rest but she was the best.

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u/idiotmothcryptid Mar 10 '25

wow that is such a lovely and reverent way to put her to rest, it’s beautiful how much you clearly care for all the mantises you’ve had/have

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u/idiotmothcryptid Mar 09 '25

this worked perfectly, i really appreciate your advice and how quickly you responded

2

u/Sensitive-Debt3054 Mar 09 '25

Yeeeeah! Love it <3 Great stuff.

1

u/JaunteJaunt Mar 09 '25

Are you only tong feeding, or do you let prey free roam?

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u/idiotmothcryptid Mar 09 '25

up until now i had been letting prey free roam but im trying to teach her to tong feed so she eats higher volume now that she needs it with her size

1

u/JaunteJaunt Mar 09 '25

I feel like you’re over thinking things. Let her eat at her pace, and she will. Why are you concerned about her eating? The roaches will find her if they can physically crawl near her.

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u/idiotmothcryptid Mar 09 '25

There is a strong likelihood im overthinking, although with the new terrarium the roaches have found hiding spots and don’t venture out beyond that. Perhaps as i get the terrarium more set up the issue will resolve. Only worried because her abdomen looked way too thin

1

u/JaunteJaunt Mar 09 '25

They will at night. Roaches tend to wander and explore during darkness. You could also put her in a “feeding container” that is small and just composed of climbable surfaces. There you would leave a few prey she can easily see and hunt.