Quote Originally Posted by Schlyne View Post
Are we talking about some specific native mantid? At many gardening sites you can buy an entire ootheca and get over a hundred to hatch for less than $20!

I've had milipedes before and that seems like it might be the best starter invert to get kids interacting with. Millipedes can secrete an oil onto your hands, so you will want to wash up after handling.
Cool about the mantises. I'll look into it.

The millipedes - does it harm them in any way when our hands remove some of their natural oil?

Thanks all! I love reading all your responses. I am starting to warm up to hissing cockroaches, but only very slowly. I saw them at a pet store for $8 the other day. How much are they at shows usually? $2?