The symbolic feature of mantis is that it has two "broadswords", that is, forelimbs, a row of hard serrations and a hook at each end for hooking prey. Mantis's life cycle is completed within one year, and it goes through three stages of development: egg, nymph and adult, so it belongs to incomplete metamorphosis.
Mantis is a carnivorous insect, and likes to catch live insects, especially small insects in motion. If there are no live worms, the survival rate of young nymphs before the third instar is very low. Therefore, before mantis eggs hatch, we should prepare feed for live insects such as aphids and houseflies. Aphids have strong reproductive ability and are easy to raise.
Cruciferae plants can be planted in flowerpots or small plastic beds in advance, and aphids can be inoculated for reproduction after emergence. Other feed insects include cotton bollworm, locust, housefly, corn borer, cabbage caterpillar, ground beetle, Tenebrio molitor, etc. After the 3rd instar, mantis should be fed with artificial compound feed as the individual grows.
Mantis is a beneficial insect that preys on cotton aphids, corn borers, cabbage caterpillars, flies, locusts, cabbage caterpillars and other pests on crops or flowers, thus avoiding pests and diseases, reducing yield and benefiting human life.