I honestly didn't know there were mantids that could live that long. I've been thinking about getting some, but I had read somewhere (still novice enough that I'm not certain where to find reliable info) that they generally lived ~6 months. Not to hijack this thread, but if you know of any good sites for invertebrate info -- like an arthropod version of frogforum -- I'd love to have the links passed my way!
Beautiful set-up. What's the ambient humidity? I've got a few potted phals, and I'd love to try something like that. (If I ever get around to it, I'm sure I'll be PM-ing you for tips on training the roots around a piece of wood.

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