How Much Does a Pet Praying Mantis Cost? (Complete Price Breakdown)

Hello fellow mantis friend, have you ever watched a praying mantis perch like a tiny green statue, its head tilted in quiet curiosity, and wondered what it might cost to bring one home?

On average, a pet praying mantis costs between £10 and £50, but the full price depends on species, setup, and care.

That initial number only tells part of the story. The total expense weaves together the mantis itself, its habitat, food, and those little extras that ensure your new companion thrives.

Here’s a quick look at what we’ll cover:

• Price ranges for common and rare mantis species
• Essential enclosure and setup costs
• Ongoing feeding and maintenance expenses
• Tips for budgeting without compromising care

The Initial Purchase: Your Mantis’s Price Tag

You can find pet mantises through online breeders, specialty pet stores, or reptile expos, with prices shifting based on availability and species rarity. Online breeders often offer the widest selection, with common species starting around $10 and rare ones climbing past $60. For a safe, informed purchase, consult a trusted buyers guide on where to buy pet mantis. It helps you compare sellers and verify health guarantees.

Here is a quick look at typical price ranges for various mantis types:

• Common Species: Chinese mantis ($10-$20), Giant Asian mantis ($15-$25)
• Rare Species: Orchid mantis ($50-$100), Ghost mantis ($30-$60)

Age plays a big role in cost-nymphs, or young mantises, usually cost less because they require more care to reach adulthood. Buying a nymph can save you money upfront, but adults command higher prices due to their developed size and breeding potential.

Setting Up a Cozy Mantis Home: Enclosure and Supplies

A proper home for your mantis includes a container, substrate for flooring, and decor for climbing and hiding. Basic setups can be assembled for under $50, using items like plastic containers or small glass terrariums. DIY mantis enclosures can be created from everyday materials you already have at home. With a little ingenuity, repurpose safe, clear storage boxes, mesh, and decor to craft a functional habitat on a budget.

Let us break down the approximate costs:

• Containers: Plastic critter keeper ($10-$20), glass terrarium ($25-$50)
• Substrates: Coconut fiber ($5-$10), sphagnum moss ($5-$15)
• Decor: Twigs and branches (free if foraged), artificial plants ($5-$15)

Follow these steps to create a comfortable habitat:

1. Select a well-ventilated container that is at least three times your mantis’s length.
2. Add a substrate layer to retain moisture and cushion falls.
3. Place decor items like sticks and leaves to provide perches and hiding spots.
4. Ensure the enclosure has a secure lid to prevent escapes.

Heating, lighting, and humidity control help mimic a natural environment. Most mantises thrive at room temperature, but a small heat mat ($10-$20) can offer extra warmth if your home is cool. However, it’s important to ensure that you provide the right lighting and heating conditions.

Lighting from a low-wattage LED bulb ($10-$25) supports plant growth and day-night cycles, while a simple misting bottle ($5-$10) maintains humidity without breaking the bank.

Ongoing Care Costs: Food and Maintenance

Keeping your mantis well-fed and comfortable involves regular expenses that are quite manageable. Live insects form the core of their diet, and sourcing them reliably ensures your pet stays healthy and active. We find that a steady supply of small, moving prey mimics their natural hunting instincts perfectly. In a praying mantis feeding schedule species comparative guide, you’ll learn how feeding frequency and prey size vary by species. This helps tailor a feeding plan that matches each mantis’s needs.

Feeding schedules vary with age and species, but most mantises eat every two to three days. Younger nymphs need daily or every-other-day meals to support rapid growth, while adults can go longer between feedings. For a complete feeding schedule by life stage, refer to our quick guide. Overfeeding can lead to health issues, so we watch for signs like a plump abdomen to gauge their needs.

• Fruit flies: Ideal for tiny nymphs, costing about $5 to $10 per culture that lasts a week or two.
• Crickets: A staple for many species, priced around $0.10 to $0.50 each, with small quantities bought weekly.
• Mealworms: Suitable for larger mantises, typically $3 to $7 for a container of 50, fed sparingly to avoid impaction.
• Waxworms: Occasional treats, roughly $5 for a small cup, used once a week to add variety.

Beyond food, basic maintenance tools keep the enclosure in top shape. A simple misting bottle, often $5 to $15, helps maintain humidity levels that mimic their native habitats. We use lukewarm water to gently spray the leaves and sides, creating a soft dew that mantises like Luna seem to enjoy.

• Small cleaning brushes or sponges: $2 to $5, for wiping down surfaces during weekly tidy-ups.
• Spare containers: Mason jars or deli cups, $1 to $3 each, useful for temporary housing or feeding setups.
• Substrate replacements: Coconut fiber or peat moss, $5 to $10 per bag, changed every few months to prevent mold.

Species-Specific Price Variations: From Common to Rare

Mantis prices can range widely based on rarity and availability, with common species being budget-friendly and exotic ones requiring a bigger investment. We often see that the initial cost reflects not just the mantis itself, but the specialized care it might need over its lifetime. For instance, rare species may demand precise humidity or heating, adding to long-term expenses.

Care needs directly influence overall costs, as some mantises thrive in simple setups while others need extra attention. Species with higher humidity requirements, like many tropical types, might need a reliable mister or humidifier, which can add $20 to $50 to your setup. In our experience, Moss, the Giant Asian Mantis, did well with basic care, whereas Sprig, the Orchid Mantis, required more frequent misting and warmer temperatures.

When choosing a species, consider how their unique traits might affect your budget. Rarer mantises often come from specialized breeders, so shipping costs can add $10 to $30 to the total price. We recommend starting with a common species to build confidence before moving to more delicate varieties.

Tips to Save on Your Pet Mantis Budget

We know that starting out with a praying mantis can feel like a big investment, but there are plenty of clever ways to keep costs down. With a little ingenuity, you can create a thriving habitat without stretching your budget. Let’s look at some hands-on approaches that have worked well in our own mantis-keeping journey, especially when it comes to creating a naturalistic and safe habitat for your praying mantis.

DIY Enclosures and Decorations

You don’t need a pricey terrarium to give your mantis a cosy home. Repurposing everyday items can turn into a fun project that saves you pounds. For our ghost mantis Luna, we used a large mason jar with a breathable mesh lid-it cost almost nothing and kept her safe and content.

• Transform clear plastic food containers into enclosures by drilling small ventilation holes in the sides and lid.
• Use untreated branches from your garden for climbing structures; just bake them at a low temperature to sterilise.
• Create hiding spots with empty toilet paper rolls or egg cartons, which mimic natural crevices.
• Opt for artificial plants from bargain shops instead of live ones-they’re easy to clean and last longer.

Sourcing Affordable Food and Supplies

Feeding your mantis doesn’t have to mean constant trips to the pet shop. Breeding your own feeder insects is a game-changer for cutting down recurring expenses. Here’s a simple way to get started with fruit flies, which are perfect for nymphs like our orchid mantis Sprig.

1. Order a starter culture of flightless fruit flies online or from a local supplier.
2. Keep them in a ventilated container with a mix of oatmeal and fruit for food.
3. Harvest a few flies every couple of days to feed your mantis, ensuring a steady supply.

For other supplies, buy substrate like coconut fibre in bulk from garden centres-it’s far cheaper than small pet store bags. Joining online mantis communities can lead to swaps or discounts on gently used items.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

Many specialised products have everyday substitutes that work just as well. Household items often serve the same purpose at a fraction of the cost. We’ve found that a simple spray bottle for misting provides enough humidity for most species, like our giant Asian mantis Moss.

• Use a digital thermometer from a hardware store instead of a pet-specific model-it’s accurate and affordable.
• Line the enclosure with paper towels as a temporary substrate; they’re easy to replace and free of chemicals.
• Source small prey like pinhead crickets from local breeders rather than big retailers to save on markup.

Additional Expenses: Shipping, Health, and Extras

While the basics are manageable, it’s wise to factor in less obvious costs that can pop up. Shipping fees for live mantises or feeders can surprise new owners, so always check policies before ordering. Overnight delivery is common to ensure your mantis arrives healthy, but it does add to the total.

Health-related costs are rare but possible. Setting aside a small amount for emergencies, like a vet consult or supplements, brings peace of mind. If your mantis shows signs of stress or illness, having funds ready can make all the difference.

• Shipping: Expect to pay more for insulated packaging and expedited services, especially in colder months.
• Mating and egg-laying: Breeding requires separate enclosures and extra food for the female, which increases costs.
• Nymph care: Raising baby mantises means more frequent feedings and smaller prey, so budget for additional insect cultures.

Prices can vary depending on where you live. In regions with fewer specialty shops, online purchases might be your best bet, though shipping fees will be higher. Urban areas often have more competition, leading to better deals on supplies and insects.

Questions from Fellow Mantis Friends

What is the difference between a praying mantis and a cricket?

A praying mantis is a predatory insect that hunts live prey, while a cricket is an insect commonly used as feeder food for mantises. Their roles are completely different, with one being the hunter and the other often being the food source. Praying mantises eat a wide range of live insects, and there are comprehensive lists detailing the prey they commonly take. These lists cover everything from flies and crickets to larger or more challenging prey.

Can the crickets I feed my mantis carry disease?

Yes, crickets from unreliable sources can sometimes carry parasites or bacteria that may harm your mantis. It is best to purchase feeder insects from reputable suppliers to minimize any health risks to your pet. If a mantis eats a poisonous insect, it may be affected by toxins, which can lead to illness or changes in behavior. To reduce this risk, only offer safe, reputable feeder insects.

Can you teach a praying mantis tricks?

While you cannot train a mantis like a dog, you can condition it to associate you with food, often encouraging it to come to the front of its enclosure. Their behaviors are driven by instinct, but this interaction can create a rewarding experience.

Your Pet Mantis Journey Awaits

We’ve walked through the costs of bringing a mantis home, from the insect itself to its cozy habitat and daily meals. Setting aside a small budget upfront lets you focus on the joy of watching your new friend thrive without financial stress.

Caring for a mantis goes beyond the price tag-it’s about creating a safe, enriching space where they can flourish. We invite you to keep learning through reliable sources and gentle observation, growing alongside your pet in this rewarding hobby. For a complete care, handling, and behavior guide for pet praying mantises, refer to our step-by-step tips. This resource helps you master safe handling and read your mantis’s cues.

Further Reading & Sources

• Praying Mantis – USMANTIS
• Praying Mantis for sale
• Live Praying Mantises for Sale | PanTerra Pets
• The Praying Mantis Shop – Purchase Live Praying Mantid and Supplies – PrayingMantisShop.com