best way to trap em?

[el Presidente]

While I have never seen him... I did have at least one in the system over a year ago. Caught him accidentally when my tank crashed while on vacation. I'm pretty sure I still have more. I often here a "cracking sound" while sitting near the tank and can never keep a snail population despite plenty of nutrients. If I am successful I will gladly give them away to you mantis lovers. Help me help you.... LOL brett

 

[DanInSD]

The "standard" DIY mantis trap involves taking a plastic soda or water bottle, cutting the top off, and inverting it back into the body of the bottle to create a funnel-shaped opening. Bait and wait. The mantis will find its way in, but usually not back out.

 

[Ms. K]

If you can catch it and are willing to ship, I'll take it.

 

[el Presidente]

Ok... but what is the preferred bait? Will other shrimp etc. also be trapped? Do I have to sit and check it periodically throughout the night? What do you think?

 

[30mini]

Put some mysid, krill, or anything meaty in there. Other things may get trapped, yes, and you don't need to check it through the night if you don't want to, but can. Good luck!

 

[el Presidente]

Maybe I'll Try tonight... I'll keep all posted.

 

[cozart]

i would gladly pay for shiping and the mantis if mrs. k doesnt take him.

 

[el Presidente]

If I get one... We'll all work it out. I'll post pics and then we'll worry about it. I'm glad everyone is enthusiastic though!

 

[el Presidente]

Well, no luck. But I did catch two of my peppermint shrimp. LOL, and I only remember having one! They have stayed well hidden and gotten pretty big. I'll try again tonight... I trust that is the best time?

 

[30mini]

It depends on what kind of mantis it is! Some mantids close up at night and don't come out, others are nocturnal, and some rarely leave their burrow!

 

[DanInSD]

If you know where the mantis' home is, obviously you want to put the trap nearby there. Multiple traps in different places can't hurt much either.

 

[el Presidente]

Well if he is under or behind my rocks I'll probably never coax him out. I'll try for a while though. My shrimp will get pretty fat though.