Environment and Decorations
So now you have a terrarium what do you put in it? That can be completely up to you! Each species have different requirements for their environment. Be sure to look into specific details for your mantis before setting up your habitat.
Silk Plants
Silk plants are a great since they’re pesticide free and require no care to maintain them. If they get dirty you can always wash them with some hot water. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors to meet what ever preference you desire.
Live Plants
Live Plants can really add an esthetic appeal to your habitat. They can also help maintain humidity levels. These require larger areas to grow and a solid base and sides for soil. Drainage layers are required to keep roots from getting water-logged. When picking live plants look for a supplier that doesn’t use pesticides and species that don’t produce toxins. Many reptile suppliers have safe options. UV lights will be needed for plant growth.
Rocks and Branches
Rocks and branches are also a good addition to your habitat as they provide something for them to climb on. Some species even require branches or sticks to thrive. Many mantid species mimic the appearance of sticks and need them to be able to hunt appropriately. Again its important to use ones that are free of pesticides.
Flowers
Some mantids live most of their lives in, or around flowers. Adding silk flowers or even flowering plants can help them thrive. Silk flowers have the advantage of not needing maintenance, while live plants can actually increase your humidity levels. Live flowering plants however might not have flowers year round.
Substrate
Substrate can be as simple as a layer of paper towels or coco fiber. Coco fiber or Moss can be used to increase humidity levels. These need to be changed out periodically to remove waste build up. Be careful of using potting mixes as some of them include insecticides.
Bioactive terrariums are terrariums are great for keeping maintenance low. Isopods and springtails can be kept as a clean up crew in soils and moss. they will remove organic waste and love to eat the shed exoskeletons.
Vivarium
Vivarium’s are a large bioactive container with live plants and other living organisms. They can be very beautiful centerpiece to any room. The requirements for vivarium's are different and maintenance varies depending on how its set up. If you choose to go this path, be sure your mantis is at a large enough stage that it wont get lost in a large enclosure. Mantis will eat anything smaller than themselves, so be careful what roommates you place with them. A healthy and active vivarium doesn’t require large amounts of maintenance.