4 replies to this topic

[RA94131]

<REMOVED>

Edited by RA94131, July 19 2019 - 1:51 AM.

[Guy_Fieri]

I think that ants would be a good pet for you and your children. But they take a lot of patience, and you can't check on them more than once a week in the early stages of colony development. Another good pet insect, especially for children, is a praying mantis. They are less aggressive than you might imagine, especially when they get to learn that you aren't dangerous. Mine used to drink water from a spoon and she wouldn't be afraid. And if you don't want your younger children to see the mantis tearing apart a living insect, they also love to drink honey. (in small amounts) I recommend a native mantis so that humidity and temperature won't be a hassle.

[RA94131]

<REMOVED> 

Edited by RA94131, July 19 2019 - 1:52 AM.

[Guy_Fieri]

Ants sound perfect then. Make sure to start searching early in March just in case. That way you can collect a good variety of ants as the spring and summer progress.

[PaxxMantid]

I keep mantises, ants, and phasmids - all of which are amazing in their own way.

 

Keeping native mantis species is great but there are so many amazing species you can get, no need to limit yourself to just the local stuff.  I will have a heodula ooth in a few weeks !

 

Phasmids are incredible and bring different challenges. I can give you some exatosoma tiaritum ova if you want - my female is laying like crazy.

 

FYI: Honey is not really great for mantises and is just considered sort of a 'treat' for them. They need live bugs and nothing else! There are others in the area, and I know an 'ant guy' so reach out if you want anything. My kids love the bugs!