how to preserve a praying mantis

How to Preserve a Praying Mantis: A Complete Guide to Ethical Specimen Mounting

When a beloved pet praying mantis passes away, or when you find a beautiful specimen in nature, you may want to preserve it as a lasting memory or for educational purposes. Learning how to preserve a praying mantis allows you to create a permanent display piece that captures the intricate beauty of these fascinating insects. Whether you're a collector, a student, or simply someone who wants to honor a departed pet, proper preservation techniques are essential for creating a specimen that will last for years to come.

The question of how to preserve a praying mantis involves several steps: humane euthanasia (if necessary), relaxation of the specimen, positioning the legs and wings, drying, and finally housing the preserved mantis in a display case. While the process requires patience and attention to detail, it is entirely achievable for beginners using common household items. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through each step of the preservation process, from the moment your mantis dies to the final display. We'll also discuss ethical considerations and how to avoid common pitfalls like pest damage. To deepen your understanding of mantis biology and care during their lifetime, we highly recommend downloading the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF. And if you want to start your journey with these amazing creatures, you can Get Free Praying Mantis (no shipping cost) and build a thriving population in your garden today.

Understanding the Basics: Why Preservation Requires Care

Before diving into the specific techniques of how to preserve a praying mantis, it's helpful to understand why preservation can be challenging. Unlike hard-bodied beetles or butterflies with sturdy wings, mantises have relatively soft abdomens that contain internal organs prone to decay. If not properly prepared, a mantis specimen can rot, discolor, or even be eaten by pests like dermestid beetles .

The key to successful preservation is removing or drying out the internal moisture that bacteria and fungi need to thrive. Insects have exoskeletons that protect their exterior, but the interior contains moisture and organic material that can decompose. Experienced collectors use techniques like removing the internal organs or using desiccants to ensure long-term preservation . When you're learning how to preserve a praying mantis, you're essentially learning how to safely dry the specimen while maintaining its natural appearance.

It's also important to consider why you're preserving the mantis. If your pet mantis died naturally, preservation can be a meaningful way to honor its memory. If you're collecting from the wild, always ensure you're not taking protected or native species. In some regions, certain mantis species may be rare or protected, so check local regulations before collecting . For most common species like the European mantis or Chinese mantis, preservation for personal use is generally acceptable. To learn more about identifying different species and their conservation status, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF includes detailed species guides.

Humane Euthanasia: The First Step

If you have a mantis that is suffering from an incurable condition or is near death, you may need to consider euthanasia before learning how to preserve a praying mantis. It's important to handle this step humanely and ethically. The most commonly recommended method for insect euthanasia is placing the specimen in a freezer.

According to experienced mantis keepers, you should place the mantis in a container and put it in the freezer for at least 24 hours to ensure it has passed humanely . Some sources suggest that 20 minutes may not be sufficient, as mantises are remarkably resilient and can sometimes revive even after several hours in the freezer . To be certain, 24 hours is recommended. The cold temperature gradually slows the insect's metabolism until it peacefully passes, which is considered one of the most humane methods available to home keepers.

Some collectors use killing jars containing ethyl acetate (found in nail polish remover) or other chemicals, but these require careful handling and are not necessary for most home preservation projects . The freezer method is simple, accessible, and humane. After euthanasia, you can either proceed immediately with preservation or store the specimen in the freezer until you're ready. Many collectors keep specimens frozen for weeks or even months before preservation . The freezer prevents decay and preserves the mantis's colors. For more information on end-of-life care for mantises, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF offers compassionate guidance for mantis keepers.

Gutting: Advanced Preservation for Long-Term Results

For those serious about how to preserve a praying mantis for decades rather than months, an advanced technique called "gutting" is recommended. This involves removing the internal organs, which are the primary source of decay. Experienced collector guapoalto049 shares his professional method: after euthanizing the mantis in the freezer, he cuts a slit from the thoraco-abdominal junction to around the fifth segment in females or sixth segment in males .

Through this opening, he removes the entire gastrointestinal system, which contains the bacteria and organic material that would otherwise cause rotting. He cautions that you must be careful not to disrupt the pigmentation on the inside wall of the mantis's abdomen, as this coloration can easily rub off . After removing the internal organs, the abdomen is stuffed with wool to restore its natural volume. The incision can then be closed using sutures—7-0 Monocryl suture material is recommended for its appropriate strength . Alternatively, some collectors use a paper tube around the abdomen while the specimen dries to maintain its shape .

This technique requires practice and steady hands, along with specialized tools like fine forceps, dissecting scissors, and tiny sutures. It's not necessary for beginners, but for those who want museum-quality specimens that will last indefinitely, gutting is the professional standard. If this seems too advanced, don't worry—simpler methods can still produce beautiful results that last for years. For step-by-step guidance on advanced preservation techniques, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF includes detailed tutorials with photographs.

Building a Relaxing Jar: Softening the Specimen

Whether you're working with a fresh specimen or one that has been frozen, you may need to "relax" the mantis before positioning it. Relaxing means rehydrating the joints and tissues so they become flexible again, allowing you to pose the legs and wings without snapping them off. This is a crucial step in how to preserve a praying mantis properly.

According to mantid forum expert joossa, you can create a relaxing jar using common household items . You'll need:

A large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (a pickle jar works well)
Cotton balls
Water
Bleach (for preventing mold)
A small piece of corrugated cardboard

To assemble the relaxing jar, line the bottom with a layer of cotton balls. Mix a solution of water with a small amount of bleach—approximately 1% bleach solution is sufficient to prevent mold without risking damage to the specimen . Pour this solution into the jar until it reaches about halfway up the cotton layer. The cotton will absorb the liquid and create a humid environment without the specimen sitting in water. Place the mantis on the piece of cardboard and set it on top of the cotton. Seal the jar tightly .

The time required for relaxing depends on the size of the specimen. A small mantis may need only 24 hours, while a large female might require up to five days . Check periodically to ensure no mold is growing. One collector recommends 48 hours for large specimens and 24 hours for small ones, cautioning that specimens can be over-relaxed and "turn to mush" if left too long . Once the mantis is flexible, you're ready for the next step. For more detailed instructions on creating and using relaxing jars, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF provides comprehensive guidance.

Creating a Spreading Board

To position your mantis correctly while it dries, you'll need a spreading board. This is essentially a flat surface where you can pin the specimen in your desired pose. Learning how to preserve a praying mantis involves mastering the use of this simple but essential tool.

Joossa provides clear instructions for making a spreading board at home . You'll need:

A flat piece of corrugated cardboard (large enough to accommodate the mantis and its wings if you plan to spread them)
Good quality paper towels
Tape
Scissors

Simply cut the cardboard into a rectangular shape. Then take a paper towel and tape it tightly onto one side of the cardboard, ensuring there are no creases or bumps. The paper towel should be as flat against the cardboard as possible—this provides a surface that the mantis's tarsal claws can grip slightly, helping to hold legs in position .

Another collector, agent A, suggests using an elevated surface like a removable shoebox lid so that pins don't go through the bottom and damage your work surface . He recommends taping a paper towel firmly to the board as well. Whichever method you choose, the spreading board is where you'll do the detailed work of posing your specimen. For those who want to spread wings, you may need additional paper towel cushions to support the wings during drying . The Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF includes diagrams showing proper spreading board setup for different mantis poses.

Pinning and Positioning the Mantis

Now we reach the most delicate part of how to preserve a praying mantis: actually positioning the legs, antennae, and wings. This requires patience, steady hands, and attention to detail. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Insert the Pin
Hold the mantis and insert an entomology pin (or a thin, sharp pin if you don't have professional pins) through the top of the abdomen, right behind the thorax. Be extremely careful not to puncture the wings if your mantis is an adult with wings . The pin should go straight through so the mantis sits perpendicular to the pin. Leave about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of pin above the mantis so you have something to grip .

Step 2: Mount on the Spreading Board
Take your spreading board and position it so part of it hangs off the edge of a table—this gives you better access. Insert the tip of the pin into the board, pushing down until the ventral side (underside) of the mantis touches the paper towel surface .

Step 3: Position the Legs
Using tweezers or a dissecting probe, begin positioning the legs. Many experts recommend starting with the left side legs, then the right . Gently pull each leg into your desired position, taking advantage of the natural joints to create a lifelike pose. If a leg is stuck too tightly against the body, pull the pin up slightly to create space. The tarsal claws at the ends of the legs will often "hook" onto the paper towel surface, helping hold them in place .

For the front legs (the raptorial arms), positioning is trickier. Insert your probe between the femur and tibia (the "claw" area) and gently pull the leg away from the thorax. A common aesthetic choice is to create right angles at each joint, giving a "praying" appearance . Once positioned, use thin strips of paper placed over the legs and pinned down to hold them securely. Be gentle—if your tool slips, the leg may snap back to its original position, and you'll have to start over .

Step 4: Position the Antennae
Antennae can be positioned by gently flexing them into place and then placing pins on either side to hold them .

Step 5: Spreading Wings (Optional)
If you want to display the wings, this requires additional steps. Create small cushions from folded paper towels that run the length of the abdomen. These cushions support the wings and keep them elevated. Gently spread the wings onto the cushions and use paper strips pinned in place to hold them open. Hindwings are particularly tricky because they tend to spring back quickly—you need to work fast to cover them with paper strips before they revert .

This entire process requires tremendous patience. Don't rush, and don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. Practice improves results. For visual guidance on leg and wing positioning, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF includes photographs of properly positioned specimens.

Drying Time: Patience Is Essential

After positioning, the mantis needs time to dry completely. This is a critical phase in how to preserve a praying mantis because moving the specimen before it's fully dry will ruin your careful work.

Place the spreading board with the pinned mantis in a safe, dry location where it won't be disturbed. Some collectors recommend placing it under a bed or in a closet . The drying time varies depending on the size of the mantis and the humidity of your environment, but a general guideline is one to three weeks. One experienced collector leaves specimens on the drying board for one week before removing pins . Another recommends three weeks for complete drying .

You can use desiccants to speed drying and ensure complete moisture removal. Powdered desiccant meant for drying flowers, available at craft stores like Hobby Lobby, works well for this purpose . Place the spreading board in an airtight container with desiccant for several weeks. This ensures that all internal moisture is removed, preventing future decay.

During the drying period, periodically check that no pins have loosened and that the specimen remains in position. If you notice any parts shifting, gently reposition them and add additional paper strips or pins as needed. Patience during this stage rewards you with a specimen that will last for years. The Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF includes a drying time chart based on specimen size and local humidity conditions.

Removing Pins and Final Display

Once the mantis is completely dry, it's time to remove all pins and paper strips and transfer it to its permanent home. This step in how to preserve a praying mantis requires care to avoid damaging the now-brittle specimen.

Carefully remove each pin, working slowly and supporting the mantis if necessary to prevent stress on the legs or body. Once all restraints are removed, you can transfer the mantis to a display case or shadow box. A simple but effective display case can be made from a shoebox with a foam base. Glue foam pads or white foam packaging material to the bottom of the box—this provides a surface into which you can insert the pin holding your specimen . The foam should be about 1/4 inch thick and cut to fit the box exactly .

Professional collectors use specialized display cases with glass tops and pest-proof seals, but for beginners, a shadow box from a craft store works well. The key is protecting the specimen from light, dust, and pests. Direct sunlight will fade colors over time, so display cases should be kept out of direct light or have UV-protective glass .

If you want to label your specimen, create a small card with information like the species, date collected, location, and any notes about the individual. This adds educational and personal value to your collection. For creative display ideas and printable specimen labels, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF offers templates and inspiration.

Protecting Your Preserved Mantis from Pests

One of the most heartbreaking discoveries for any collector is finding that pests have destroyed their carefully preserved specimens. A Biology Stack Exchange user shared photos of his collection being devoured by tiny caterpillars—including a praying mantis reduced to "a big pile of dust" . This cautionary tale highlights an essential aspect of how to preserve a praying mantis: protecting it after preservation.

The culprit in these cases is often dermestid beetles or their larvae, which feed on dried insect specimens. They can enter display cases undetected and multiply, destroying years of work. To prevent this:

Ensure complete drying: Any residual moisture makes specimens vulnerable to pests and mold.
Use pest-proof display cases: Cases with tight-sealing lids and no gaps prevent insects from entering.
Consider mothballs or paradichlorobenzene: These can be placed in display cases to deter pests, though they release fumes and may not be suitable if you want to handle specimens frequently .
Regular inspection: Check your collection periodically for signs of pest activity—fine dust, shed skins, or actual insects.
Freeze new acquisitions: If you add specimens to your collection, freezing them for a week first can kill any hidden pests or eggs.

The user whose collection was destroyed noted that moths and butterflies seemed less appealing to the pests, while mantises and beetles were heavily damaged . This suggests mantises may be particularly vulnerable, making protection even more important. For comprehensive guidance on pest prevention and collection maintenance, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF includes a chapter on long-term specimen care.

Alternative: Preserving Egg Cases Instead

If the idea of preserving an adult mantis feels too complex or emotionally difficult, there's another way to honor these creatures: preserving their egg cases (oothecae). Learning how to preserve a praying mantis can also mean preserving the next generation. Egg cases are fascinating structures in their own right, with their Styrofoam-like texture and perfect geometric patterns .

According to K-State Research and Extension, you can find praying mantis egg cases in gardens between November and April . They appear as hardened, foam-like cases attached to branches, stems, walls, fences, or eaves. If you want to preserve an egg case rather than hatch it, you can simply collect it and keep it in a dry container. Unlike adult specimens, egg cases require no special preparation—they are naturally preserved and will last indefinitely if kept dry and protected from pests.

However, many people prefer to hatch the eggs and release the nymphs, then preserve the hatched egg case as a memento. To do this, place the egg case in a glass jar with a lid that has at least 10 small air holes. Keep it at room temperature, and nymphs will emerge in 4-6 weeks . After hatching, the empty egg case can be preserved as a fascinating display piece showing where dozens of mantises began their lives. For detailed instructions on collecting and hatching egg cases, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF provides month-by-month guidance. And if you want to experience the miracle of hatching yourself, you can Get Free Praying Mantis (no shipping cost) and watch new life emerge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As with any detailed process, learning how to preserve a praying mantis involves avoiding common pitfalls. Here are the most frequent mistakes beginners make:

Mistake 1: Not removing internal organs
For long-term preservation, leaving the internal organs in place risks eventual decay. Even with thorough drying, the bacteria present in the gut can cause problems years later . If you're serious about long-term preservation, learn the gutting technique.

Mistake 2: Using too much bleach in the relaxing jar
A 25% bleach solution, as some older guides recommend, is unnecessarily strong and risks bleaching the specimen's colors. A 1% solution (about half a teaspoon per cup of water) is sufficient to prevent mold without damaging the mantis .

Mistake 3: Over-relaxing the specimen
Leaving a mantis in the relaxing jar too long can cause it to become mushy and fall apart. Check specimens daily, and remove them as soon as they are flexible .

Mistake 4: Rushing the drying process
Impatience leads to disaster. If you remove pins before the mantis is completely dry, legs and wings will spring back or droop. Give specimens at least a week, preferably longer, to dry fully.

Mistake 5: Exposing specimens to light
UV light fades the beautiful greens and browns of mantises over time. Display cases should be kept out of direct sunlight or use UV-protective glass .

Mistake 6: Neglecting pest prevention
As the devastated collector discovered, pests can destroy years of work. Always use pest-proof display cases and inspect collections regularly .

By avoiding these mistakes, you'll dramatically improve your success rate with mantis preservation. The Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF includes a troubleshooting section that helps you identify and correct issues before they ruin a specimen.

Ethical Considerations in Mantis Preservation

Throughout this guide on how to preserve a praying mantis, we've touched on ethical considerations, but they deserve explicit attention. Preserving insects raises questions about our relationship with nature and the value we place on individual lives.

Never kill a healthy mantis solely for preservation. The goal of preservation should be to honor a life that has ended naturally or to use specimens for legitimate scientific or educational purposes. Many experienced collectors express discomfort with killing insects simply to add to a collection . If you find a dead mantis in good condition, that's an ideal candidate for preservation. If your pet mantis dies of old age, preservation is a beautiful way to remember it.

Be mindful of conservation status. In some regions, certain mantis species are rare or protected. Before collecting from the wild, research local species and regulations. In Germany, for example, the European mantis is listed as endangered and should not be collected . In most areas, common species like the Chinese mantis or European mantis are abundant and not at risk, but it's always best to confirm.

Consider the educational value. Preserved specimens can teach others about mantis anatomy and diversity. If you create a collection, consider sharing it with schools, nature centers, or interested friends. A well-preserved mantis can inspire appreciation for these remarkable creatures in ways that photographs cannot.

Treat the specimen with respect. Whether it was your pet or a wild find, the mantis deserves to be preserved carefully and displayed with dignity. The time and care you invest in learning how to preserve a praying mantis reflect your respect for the life it lived.

For more on the ethics of insect collecting and preservation, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF includes thoughtful essays on our responsibilities as mantis keepers and collectors.

Conclusion: Honoring Mantises Through Preservation

Learning how to preserve a praying mantis is a journey that combines science, art, and respect for nature. From the initial decision to preserve a specimen, through the careful steps of relaxation, positioning, and drying, to the final display, each stage requires patience and attention to detail. The reward is a permanent tribute to one of nature's most fascinating creatures—a specimen that can be admired, studied, and appreciated for years to come.

We've covered the full process: humane euthanasia if necessary, the option of gutting for advanced preservation, building a relaxing jar to soften specimens, creating a spreading board, the delicate work of positioning legs and wings, allowing adequate drying time, and finally displaying and protecting your preserved mantis. We've also discussed common mistakes and ethical considerations to guide your practice.

Whether you're preserving a beloved pet mantis that shared your home for months, or a beautiful specimen you found in your garden, the effort you invest honors the life of that individual. Each preserved mantis becomes a teaching tool, a work of natural art, and a reminder of the incredible diversity of life on Earth.

If this guide has inspired you to learn more about mantises and their care, we invite you to download the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF. It's the perfect companion for anyone who wants to understand these remarkable insects on a deeper level, from their daily care needs to their place in the larger ecosystem. And if you haven't yet experienced the joy of watching mantises grow and thrive, there's no better time than now. Click here to Get Free Praying Mantis (no shipping cost) and start building your own connection with these incredible predators. Whether you keep them as living pets or preserve them as lasting memories, mantises will enrich your life and deepen your appreciation for the natural world.