trying to catch a mantis

[luispa]

are their any DIY mantis traps that someone can tell me about?

have to get one out about 1 1/2 inch long

 

[YahooFishKeeper]

i heard tilting a glass up on some rocks at an angle and baiting it works because the mantis cant get grip to get out. worth a try, the worst that can happen is your mantis gets a free hermit.

 

[Msby12]

eh i don't think the glass at an angle will work on a mantis, they can swim just as well as a fish.

instead take a 2 liter soda bottle, cut off the "open side", invert it and then put it back in,

like this

 

[luispa]

thanks for the tips
i will sure notify if i catch it

 

[Msby12]

oh yeah, don't forget to put some bait in the bottle!

srry if that was too obvious!

 

[nodea717]

I've been using this bottle method... cut a hole in the 16oz! bottle, and tie some line to it to get it out quick...

Also cutting radial slats and bending inward may help, sometimes if the mantis can see the bait he go's nuts and wont find the entrance.

poke holes in the bottom so he will "smell" it faster (yes, it works)

cheers,
Don

 

[wickedfood]

I've never read of anyone catching a mantis in a trap. Seems most people get them by removing the rock that it lives in. I have one in my 12g tank that hitched via TBS rock. He's eaten much of the clams and barnacles off the rock, and has re-arranged my peppermint shrimp (RIP). He's a wennerae, about 3.5" long, but doesn't bother with my royal gramma. I read that smashers don't bother with fish like spearers do. Anyhow, I do want to get him out of there, but am reluctant to take apart my rockscape to do it. If anyone's had success with a trap, would you let me know?

Thanks!

 

[danskim]

If it's just a 12g, I think taking the rock out would be easiest.
Or just try the inverted bottle because people have reported success... I just can't think of anyone right now