Insect breeding is actually fairly easy. Some, like mealworms, crickets, and dubias, are quite easy. Others, like waxworms, superworms, and silkworms, take a bit more work. The pros of breeding your own bugs is saving money, and always having the availability at your home. The cons are the work, cleaning, etc... And depending on the bug and the amount you are breeding, the smell. Most don't smell as bad as breeding rodents, but it has an odor. Also, not over producing can be a problem sometimes. If you get too many, you have to raise some all the way up so you have the next group of adult breeders. Doing the math on this can be a pain at first, so you don't run out and you don't have an over abundance. The worms you can slow down in a stasis in a fridge are easier to manage, mealworms and waxworms.
I have no idea about keeping a mantis, the nutritional needs, and amount of food necessary. Or i fit is healthy to feed all one kind of insect, or if it is beneficial to have a larger variety. If you hunt down some care sheets and feeding information, I can help you figure out if it is worth it or not.
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