Praying mantises show surprising cognitive abilities including 3D vision unique among invertebrates, yet receive little welfare consideration in the growing exotic pet trade.
While mantis sentience remains debated, their sophisticated predatory cognition and sensory systems suggest welfare considerations beyond simple reflexes. In captivity, inadequate temperature, humidity, or prey availability causes visible distress and starvation. The exotic pet trade often ships mantises in conditions that cause significant mortality. Even for animals whose capacity to suffer is uncertain, the precautionary principle supports providing appropriate housing and minimizing trade-related mortality.