The Fascinating Journey of Befriending the Giant Mantis

The Fascinating Journey of Befriending the Giant Mantis

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Meeting the Baby Mantis
3. Finding Food for the Mantis
4. Naming the Mantis: Kiwi
5. Kiwi's Molting Journey
6. Feeding Kiwi Mealworms
7. Kiwi's Reactions to Games
8. Kiwi's Transformation and Color Change
9. Corn Worm Surprise
10. Creating a House for Kiwi
11. Kiwi's Encounter with Spotted Lanternflies
12. Kiwi's Fear of Murder Ticks
13. Observing Other Insects with Kiwi
14. Kiwi's Encounter with a Stick Bug
15. Kiwi's Encounter with a Tick
16. Kiwi's Tick Hunting Abilities
17. Kiwi's Reliability and Helpfulness
18. Cleaning Kiwi's House
19. Kiwi's Transformation into an Adult Mantis

Article: The Story of Me and My Pet Mantis: Kiwi

Introduction

Have You ever wondered what it's like to live with a giant mantis as your pet? Well, let me tell you my story. It all started two months ago when I stumbled upon the skin of a mantis during a walk. Little did I know that this encounter would lead me to Raise and care for a baby mantis, whom I named Kiwi. In this article, I will take you through the fascinating journey of our life together, from finding food for Kiwi to witnessing its remarkable molting process. So, let's dive in and discover the world of mantises through the eyes of PleaseBee and Kiwi.

Meeting the Baby Mantis

It all began when I spotted a small and adorable baby mantis among the leaves of a tree. Being a fan of mantises, I couldn't resist the opportunity to take this little creature under my wing and raise it as my pet. I named it Kiwi, and our adventure began.

Finding Food for the Mantis

As a responsible pet owner, I knew I had to provide Kiwi with proper nourishment. So, I set out to find suitable food for my mantis companion. Mosquito larvae turned out to be an excellent choice, as they were abundant and easy to catch. The more I searched, the more I realized the vast world of pests that mantises feed on. From mosquito larvae to corn worms, Kiwi had quite the diverse diet.

Naming the Mantis: Kiwi

While pondering over a name for my newfound friend, an idea struck me. The green fruit that emerges from a brown husk reminded me of Kiwi fruit. Little did I know that Kiwi, my baby mantis, would eventually take on the exact shade of a Kiwi shell. That's when I decided to name it Kiwi, a name that perfectly suited its changing colors and vibrant personality.

Kiwi's Molting Journey

One of the most fascinating aspects of raising a mantis is witnessing its molting process. As Kiwi grew, I eagerly awaited each molting event, as it symbolized another step towards adulthood. Kiwi molted several times, shedding its old skin and revealing a larger, more vibrant form underneath. With each molt, Kiwi became more agile and striking in appearance.

Feeding Kiwi Mealworms

While mosquito larvae served as a staple food for Kiwi, I wanted to introduce more variety into its diet. Mealworms became the next delicacy on Kiwi's menu. Although crickets were a preferred option, their seasonal availability and strong odor made mealworms a more manageable choice. Kiwi demonstrated impressive hunting skills by catching mealworms with ease, leaving me in awe of its agility and precision.

Kiwi's Reactions to Games

To keep Kiwi entertained and stimulated, I decided to engage it in games. One such game involved a bug-catching app on my old cell phone. Observing Kiwi's reactions to the virtual insects was both entertaining and endearing. Kiwi displayed intense focus and even attempted to climb onto the smartphone to catch the digital bugs. Its determination and unwavering focus made me appreciate Kiwi's dedication to the game.

Kiwi's Transformation and Color Change

As Kiwi molted and grew, it underwent a striking transformation. Not only did its size increase significantly, but its color also evolved. From the small, green baby mantis I first encountered, Kiwi gradually transformed into a mantis with the hues of a Kiwi fruit shell. This remarkable change in color only added to Kiwi's unique Charm.

Corn Worm Surprise

During my exploration for new food sources, I came across a corn cob that seemed to harbor worms. Intrigued, I observed it closely and discovered a corn worm within. Eager to see Kiwi's reaction, I placed the worm on my finger and presented it to Kiwi. To my surprise, Kiwi devoured the worm with delight. It became evident that Kiwi's love for hunting extended beyond pests to any living creature that crossed its path.

Creating a House for Kiwi

As Kiwi grew in size, it became evident that it needed a more spacious dwelling. I took it upon myself to Create a comfortable home for my mantis friend. Using plastic nets and Instant glue, I designed a custom house that catered to Kiwi's needs. The process of building the house was both fun and rewarding, providing Kiwi with an upgraded living space.

Kiwi's Encounter with Spotted Lanternflies

Living in an environment abundant with pests provided Kiwi with ample opportunities to showcase its hunting skills. One such encounter involved the notorious spotted lanternflies. Known for their destructive nature, these insects posed a significant threat to plants and trees. Watching Kiwi conquer these pests was satisfying, knowing that it played a role in preserving the ecosystem.

Kiwi's Fear of Murder Ticks

Not all pests were conquered effortlessly by Kiwi. The presence of murder ticks, small but dangerous creatures, unnerved Kiwi. These ticks carried the risk of transmitting the SFTS virus, which can be fatal. Witnessing Kiwi's fear and reluctance to engage with murder ticks highlighted the importance of protecting my pet mantis from harmful pests.

Observing Other Insects with Kiwi

In addition to its hunting prowess, Kiwi's presence also provided me with the opportunity to observe various insects closely. From stick bugs with their impressive camouflage to chirping cicadas and long-horned beetles, Kiwi's surroundings became a hub of insect activity. This served not only as an educational experience for me but also as a means to engage Kiwi in its natural environment.

Kiwi's Encounter with a Tick

During one of my outings in the mountains, an unwelcome visitor came home with me – a tick. The realization that it was a killer tick, capable of spreading diseases, filled me with concern. To my relief, Kiwi proved to be an invaluable ally in dealing with this menace. With confidence and determination, Kiwi hunted down and devoured the tick, showcasing its strength and protective nature.

Kiwi's Reliability and Helpfulness

Throughout our journey together, Kiwi consistently proved to be a trustworthy and helpful companion. Whether it was hunting pests, cleaning its own house, or simply providing company, Kiwi Never failed to demonstrate its loyalty and reliability. Each day spent with Kiwi reaffirmed my decision to raise and care for this extraordinary creature.

Cleaning Kiwi's House

As responsible pet owners, it is crucial to maintain cleanliness and hygiene for our animal companions. For Kiwi, cleaning its house became a regular task. By ensuring a clean living space, I aimed to provide Kiwi with a healthy and comfortable environment. The process of cleaning Kiwi's house not only kept it tidy but also allowed me to bond with Kiwi on yet another level.

Kiwi's Transformation into an Adult Mantis

After numerous moltings and transformations, the time finally arrived for Kiwi to complete its journey into adulthood. I observed Kiwi closely, noting its peculiar behaviors and physical changes. Then, one day, Kiwi began the ultimate transformation – the molting process that would reveal its full potential as an adult mantis. With bated breath, I watched Kiwi effortlessly shed its old skin to emerge as a magnificent adult mantis – a reminder of our companionship and the growth we had experienced together.

Conclusion

The tale of me and my pet mantis, Kiwi, is one filled with wonder, amazement, and newfound appreciation for the insect world. Through Kiwi's companionship, I discovered the beauty of caring for a unique creature and witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformations and hunting skills of mantises. Kiwi taught me the importance of nurturing and protecting the ecosystem, one pest at a time. As our story continues, I look forward to the adventures that await me and Kiwi, and the everlasting bond we share.

Highlights

1. The fascinating journey of raising a baby mantis named Kiwi.
2. Finding and feeding Kiwi various pests, including mosquito larvae and corn worms.
3. Witnessing Kiwi's remarkable molting process and transformation into an adult mantis.
4. Engaging Kiwi in games and observing its hunting skills.
5. Creating a custom house for Kiwi's comfort and well-being.
6. Kiwi's encounters with notorious pests like spotted lanternflies and murder ticks.
7. Exploring the world of insects and appreciating their diversity with Kiwi.
8. The valuable lessons learned through the companionship of Kiwi and the growth experienced together.

FAQs:

Q: Can mantises be kept as pets? A: Yes, mantises can be kept as pets. They require proper care, a suitable habitat, and a diet consisting of live insects.

Q: How long does the molting process take for a mantis? A: The molting process can vary, but it typically takes a few hours for a mantis to shed its old skin and reveal its new form.

Q: What do mantises eat besides pests? A: Besides pests, mantises can also feed on other insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and even smaller mantises.

Q: Are murder ticks dangerous to humans? A: Yes, murder ticks can carry diseases and pose a risk to humans. It is important to take precautions and seek medical attention if bitten by a tick.

Q: How long do mantises live? A: The lifespan of a mantis depends on the species, but generally, they live for several months to a year.