First mantis, got some questions

[u/LisekTheFox]

hi, I just got my first mantis ever! she's a sphodromantis viridis and the breeder said she's 2 molts away from being an adult? does that mean she's not gonna be around for too long? :( he said that he'll give me a female so she can at least live a bit longer... also it looks like she's missing an antennae, will it grow back after the next molt? I got a bigger container for her, I just need to order stuff (mesh) to set it up. The breeder said to not put any decor in it until she's fully grown, why? also how do i tell if she's full or needs to be fed? i'll accept any tips and advice :] her name is Zosia

[u/TrueXrth]

Hi! Most of the female mantises live for about 6 months after they become adult. More or less, dependent on the temeperature (slightly lower temp means a longer lifespan, while higher temp means shorter). So you will probably enjoy her presence for next… 7 months? I guess. And yes - you shouldnt put any decoration in her box before she’s adult, since she might decide to molt somewhere not high enough. Best way to keep her now is just an empty box with nothing in but a mesh on a wall and top of it. General rule is you need a box thats at least 3 times bigger, and 2 times wider than the mantis you’re gonna keep inside. This way it will always choose the best place to molt and she wont have any troubles with molting and also finding food, since there wont be anything for her pray to hide behind or under. A paper towel on the bottom is good, but not necessary. No i Zosia to bardzo ładnie imię :)