FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

The first of 5 eggs of my praying mantis has hatched. Appears to be at least 500 in this first egg. Strategically placing them throughout my plants. Yes, I know if they get caught up in a trap they might be able to chew their way out but I seriously doubt they will be able to do that until they are larger. I wanted a safer way to eradicate mealy bugs. Although I no longer have the issue, it would be nice if they can prevent them from starting in the first place. They are most likely to fly away in the wind but if only a few hang around I will be happy. I am thinking about trying to raise some inside my grow tent. Has anyone here ever tried to raise them?

There used to be an active member who raised them, and he had some really nice specimens.
The bigger problem that you'll run into releasing that many into your plants isn't that some will get caught, its that they'll cannibalize each other if there's not enough prey. They'd have a much higher chance at survival, and provide more pest control, if you can spread them out so they can disperse.

ChefDean wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2024 1:54 am They'd have a much higher chance at survival, and provide more pest control, if you can spread them out so they can disperse.

Although I released in my plants, all my plants are outdoors now with the exception of 3 endangered species and my seedlings which are in grow tents, a heli and a ceph and several drosera that are in my greenhouse. My wife freaked out when I let a few lady bugs loose in the house. I could only imagine her reaction to these guys!!

andynorth wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2024 2:06 am

ChefDean wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2024 1:54 am They'd have a much higher chance at survival, and provide more pest control, if you can spread them out so they can disperse.

Although I released in my plants, all my plants are outdoors now with the exception of 3 endangered species and my seedlings which are in grow tents, a heli and a ceph and several drosera that are in my greenhouse. My wife freaked out when I let a few lady bugs loose in the house. I could only imagine her reaction to these guys!!

That's pretty cool. Looks like you had a great hatch!!!! As for imagining your wife's reaction...where's your sense of adventure???!!!!!