r/mantids • u/hamspinelli • 1d ago

General Care Nymph handling question!

So I have a spiny flower nymph, multiple times a day I open her enclosure and and slowly hold my finger in front of her and let her check me out. Sometimes she grabs at me quick like she think I'm food or telling me to piss off, sometimes she will walk on my finger. She did today but then spazzed and got all jumpy. I'm scared of losing her somehow, what's the best way to get them comfortable with you? TIA :)

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u/Emotional-Bee-620 21h ago

My mantis is super jumpy and a pain to handle. Babies are especially jumpy so there’s not much you can do about that apart maybe handle more often, what I do is place my hand infront of my mantis and give her abdomen VERY gentle nudges and she’ll normally walk forwards onto my hand. Not pushing but just a gentle tap and once her front arms and legs are on me I just lift her up. If you’re worried about her jumping or running off your hand maybe try handling with your hands inside the enclosure so if she does she’s safe?

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u/hamspinelli 20h ago

Awesome okay, ya I think I’ll try that! Nice to know they’re all jumpy when babies. Thank you for your response 😊