Housing for green ghosts (Hopefully)

dEsSiCaTa_UK · #1 (**permalink**) 15th March 2010, 09:11

Recently got some ghost mantids again

Got 7 2nd instar nymphs, which are now 3rd instar, brought them all their own tubs, going to be keeping them a bit more humid than i did before and provide plenty of greenery cause i reeeeeeaaally want a green ghost this time around, at least 1

After i took this pics i realised i put way too much soil in so when i can im going to take probably half of it out for more moulting room, these tubs are probably good for only 2 moults at best but after they make great salticidae housing

I only rehoused these yesterday and i havent put any twigs in yet, will do when i get home, and yeah that is live moss, scraped a bunch up from some old flower pots, probably wont last but im doing the best i can to surround them with greenery

Besides from too much soil which will be corrected later any thoughts?

hot*stuff · #2 (**permalink**) 15th March 2010, 09:23

How are you ventilating them pots? They are designed to be air tight.....I like them tho

dEsSiCaTa_UK · #3 (**permalink**) 15th March 2010, 09:42

Knew i should of mentioned that :P
Theirs some air holes drilled into the top

These tubs are crap, they got that rim all the way around and now lip sort of thing for you to actually to get the lid off, you have to snap it off almost, knackers up your fingertips :P
Looks so damn fancy though :P

Drumkitchen · #4 (**permalink**) 15th March 2010, 11:24

Hi,
these little recipients look quite nice

and the moss is a nice indicator of the humidity but you should watch out for stagnant moisture.
Do you intend to put some branches inside (after removing a bit of soil)? In my experience ghosts do not show a safe walking just on plastic and especially for the moulting this could be dangerous if they don't have a proper grip.
Maybe you have seen this thread:
http://www.ukmantisforums.co.uk/gene...een-ghost.html
They might turn greenish pretty late in their development and by then these little boxes will be definitely too small for them (for moving, moulting, etc.). According to the pictures and the current size of the nymphs I would go for a bigger housing after the next moulting (where you could keep them together). Nevertheless, good luck for having a green one. I really do understand your desire for a green female. It's the same for me

Cheers

daermon1000 · #5 (**permalink**) 15th March 2010, 13:24

I know you are trying for greens and Humidity is said to bring this about but I would cut the whole lid outa them tubs, the highest mortality rates I have suffered with my ghost nymphs have been when I did not cut enough ventilation holes or make them big enough, my adults are kept 5 at a time in 2' long by 1' by 1' completely net cages and only misted weekly if that and they thrive, ghost like it dry, in humid enviroments they perish, I had a green female devalop in a pint pot in the same conditions and shelf as all the brown ones devaloped in, she was brown as all the others till sub adult then devaloped a green tinge then at adult she is green, she has just laid her second ooth this week.

andy bailey · #6 (**permalink**) 15th March 2010, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by daermon1000

I know you are trying for greens and Humidity is said to bring this about but I would cut the whole lid outa them tubs, the highest mortality rates I have suffered with my ghost nymphs have been when I did not cut enough ventilation holes or make them big enough, my adults are kept 5 at a time in 2' long by 1' by 1' completely net cages and only misted weekly if that and they thrive, ghost like it dry, in humid enviroments they perish, I had a green female devalop in a pint pot in the same conditions and shelf as all the brown ones devaloped in, she was brown as all the others till sub adult then devaloped a green tinge then at adult she is green, she has just laid her second ooth this week.

Good point John! I think too many fatalities are due to `over misting` of mantid nymphs. You`d think mantids were semi-aquatic from some set-ups

!
I like the look of the moss though Dessicata! I`ve got some tufts that fell off a roof and want to incorporate them into `mantis gardens` .. when I come across more suitable containers, that is

...(and when the ghosties hatch!)

mantid ed · #7 (**permalink**) 25th April 2010, 19:35

if theres ventilation at the top then thts looking gd