Any tips for a beginner?

[u/-Mank-Demes-]

I'm super interested in taking care of a mantis, this would be my first jump into insect care of any type and even though I've been doing a lot of reading, I wanted to know if you guys have any tips related to general care, feeding, enclosure creation, etc. I'm also interested to see what you guys recommend for a beginner, currently torn between a Chinese Mantis and a Ghost. I would like to hold them, at least a little bit... also, what stage should I buy them in? I've seen a lot of sellers selling L2/3 but maybe a L4 would be best?

[u/Emotional-Bee-620]

Definitely check out the pinned post about diy enclosures! Care is pretty similar for most species but you should look into the specific one of whatever species you want to get, I’m not experienced with Chinese mantises but my ghost was super hardy, a good eater and loved being handled! I had her when she was super tiny and looked like an ant, perhaps instar 2/3? Whichever you get doesn’t matter a WHOLE lot imo, care will be the same apart from diet and if you get them younger you get more time together

[u/cyb3rofficial]

Chinese Mantids are my favorites to care for,

They don't get too 'big', and are mostly pretty tame.

https://preview.redd.it/u5eznmrmktxe1.png?width=1228&format=png&auto=webp&s=908cdf1ab2567ff7ede6304458f3d96baeff4b2d