Mantids

[gekosin]

Hi I have always been fascinated with mantids and was wondering how one would go about getting them? I often find some in the garden but is it ok to take them and keep them?

From doing some reading i know they need a high humidity enclosure but not knowing where and how to get them and see what is available i dont know what else to look for regarding info.

Thanks

[shadowfoot]

Go and check out www.deviantexotics.co.za
They have some for sale which are much better looking than most of those that you find in your garden.

[Chameleons]

Have a look at my web site www.sa-chameleons.com There are pictures and comments about several mantis species found in SA. as well as exotics. SA mantis tend not to need high humidity, depending where they come from - Highveld, not so much, Durban etc, yes.
Some SA species can be kept together for much of their lifecycle but most are very cannibalistic, so you will need to split them up.

[mailjvdb]

Thanks Shaddow

At the moment we only have some Deroplatys lobata, but will hopefully have more species in the near future

[Chameleons]

Please note that we do not sell mantids or any livestock.
If you can find a supplier in SA (e.g. deviantexotics) it will save you a lot of grief trying to bring insects in. D. lobata is a nice species, not necessarily for beginners if you are keen on breeding, but well worth a try.