Praying pets: Wilton woman raises exotic mantises - Monadnock Ledger Transcript

Posted: 04 Mar 2020 12:00 AM PST

Nicole Fish's collection of exotic insects is small but precious.

On one end, is her Asian Giant, several inches long and bright green. On the other, is a Boxer Mantis, smaller than her pinky nail, brown and hard to see without a magnifying glass.

"Either you love them or you hate them," Fish, a Wilton resident said. "I happen to love them."

Fish is currently raising several different species of praying mantis. It's a hobby she had as a child, capturing Chinese mantises – which, as its name suggests, is not originally native to the U.S., but has been found in the wild here for more than 100 years – and watching them grow.

Unlike many insects, mantises hatch into a nymph form that is a smaller version of its adult self. As it grows, it molts, scaling up in size and in some cases, growing wings. From the day they hatch, they take on the mantis's distinctive silhouette, with its recognizable "praying" forelimbs.

And despite their diminutive size, Fish said they have as much personality as other pets.

"Even as a child I was fascinated by their cat-like personality," Fish said. "The more you handle them, the tamer they become."

They will hook on to her fingers, or jump from hand to hand, Fish said. Ali, her Boxer Mantis, has a little "dance" where he will extend each foreleg in turn, as though jabbing at the air.

They have long since been a point of fascination for Fish, who has revived her own childhood hobby of searching out egg pods in the spring to hatch, let grow, and release into the garden with her own three children.

While a Chinese mantis still has a home in her collection – a young mantis she calls Gucci – this year, Fish was able to realize a long-held dream of raising a few non-native species.

Among them is her Asian Giant, Claudette, who may grow as long as five inches, a Boxer Mantis aptly called Ali, for his distinctive boxing-glove type forelimbs, and an Asian Flower Mantis called Emoji for the pattern on its back.

Fish secured the mantises from a supplier in Texas, and said it's the start of a more serious hobby for her.

"My dream was always to have non-native species. I want to get one of each. I hope to own many other species," Fish said. "Being on a farm, loving animals and insects and nature, it's always fascinated me."

She recently acquired the latest mantid on her wish list: A Ghost Mantis, an African mantis that looks remarkably like a leaf.

They are easy pets to care for, Fish said, with few needs. Mantises are solitary, and few species can be kept together without preying on each other, but they need relatively little space, and though they only eat live prey (insects such as crickets and wingless fruit flies) they only need to be fed once every one to two days. Their habitats need to be humid enough to allow the insects to molt, which can be done by spritzing water on them.

Fish does not plan to breed her pets, keeping only one of each species, so they will only last a short time – the insect only lives for about 8 months to a year depending upon the species. However, in that time, she and her sons will watch them molt and grow, and though they will not be fertile or produce nymphs, the females will still make an egg sac.

"I do enjoy them every day, though some people might find it hard to believe. They're relaxing, the same way watching a fish tank is relaxing," Fish said. "And it's great for the kids to see them in the process of growing and molting. Most people only really see them in the fall, when they're grown. I feel very fortunate to watch them grow. It's an honor to be part of that."

Fishing for Fun? It Has a Bigger Environmental Impact Than We Thought - EcoWatch

Posted: 18 Mar 2020 09:41 AM PDT

1. Avocados

Though <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-benefits-of-avocado" target="_blank">avocados</a> are often referred to and used as a vegetable, they're biologically considered a fruit.Thanks to their high content of heart-healthy fats, avocados make a great addition to a ketogenic diet.They're also low in net carbs, with around 8.5 grams of carbs and nearly 7 grams of fiber in a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341528/nutrients" target="_blank">1Trusted Source</a>).Avocados provide an array of other important nutrients as well, including <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-k2" target="_blank">vitamin K</a>, folate, vitamin C, and potassium (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341528/nutrients" target="_blank">1Trusted Source</a>).<h4>Summary</h4>A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of avocado contains around 1.5 grams of net carbs. They're also high in vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, and potassium.

2. Watermelon

<a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/watermelon-health-benefits" target="_blank">Watermelon</a> is a flavorful and hydrating fruit that's easy to add to a ketogenic diet.Compared with other fruits, watermelon is relatively low in net carbs, with around 11.5 grams of carbs and 0.5 grams of fiber in a 1-cup (152-gram) serving (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167765/nutrients" target="_blank">2Trusted Source</a>).That said, depending on your daily carb allotment, you may need to adjust your portion sizes to fit watermelon into your diet.Watermelon is likewise rich in a variety of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and copper (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167765/nutrients" target="_blank">2Trusted Source</a>).Plus, it contains <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lycopene" target="_blank">lycopene</a>, a plant compound that acts as an antioxidant to decrease cell damage and fight disease (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4464475/" target="_blank">3Trusted Source</a>).<h4>Summary</h4>A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of avocado contains around 1.5 grams of net carbs. They're also high in vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, and potassium.

3. Strawberries

<a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/strawberries" target="_blank">Strawberries</a> are nutritious, delicious, and brimming with health benefits.Low in carbs and high in fiber, strawberries can fit seamlessly into a low carb or ketogenic diet.In fact, a 1-cup (152-gram) serving of strawberries provides just 11.7 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341668/nutrients" target="_blank">4Trusted Source</a>).Strawberries are an excellent source of other micronutrients as well, including vitamin C, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/manganese-benefits" target="_blank">manganese</a>, and folate (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341668/nutrients" target="_blank">4Trusted Source</a>).Plus, like other types of berries, strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and procyanidins (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5890122/" target="_blank">5Trusted Source</a>).<h4>Summary</h4>Each cup (152 grams) of strawberries provides 8.7 grams of net carbs. They also contain a host of antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, manganese, and folate.

4. Lemons

<a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-lemon-health-benefits" target="_blank">Lemons</a> are a popular citrus fruit used to flavor drinks, meals, and desserts.Lemons can be a great addition to the ketogenic diet, with approximately 5.5 grams of carbs and 1.5 grams of dietary fiber in each fruit (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341433/nutrients" target="_blank">6Trusted Source</a>).They're especially rich in <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pectin" target="_blank">pectin</a>, a type of fiber that can help stabilize blood sugar levels, fight inflammation, and slow the growth of cancer cells (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6401843/" target="_blank">7Trusted Source</a>).Lemons are also high in several other nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6 (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341433/nutrients" target="_blank">6Trusted Source</a>).<h4>Summary</h4>Lemons can be a great addition to a ketogenic diet, with 4 grams of net carbs in each fruit. They also contain pectin, a type of fiber associated with several health benefits.

5. Tomatoes

Despite being used as a vegetable in many meals and recipes, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tomatoes-on-keto" target="_blank">tomatoes</a> are botanically classified as a fruit.With a significantly lower carb count than many other fruits, tomatoes are easy to fit into a balanced ketogenic diet.One cup (180 grams) of raw tomatoes contains about 7 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fiber (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/342502/nutrients" target="_blank">8Trusted Source</a>).What's more, tomatoes are low in calories and high in beneficial plant compounds, including lycopene, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/beta-carotene-benefits" target="_blank">beta carotene</a>, and naringenin (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22129335" target="_blank">9Trusted Source</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17165839" target="_blank">10Trusted Source</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469163/" target="_blank">11Trusted Source</a>).<h4>Summary</h4>Tomatoes provide only 5 grams of net carbs per 1-cup (180-gram) serving. They also contain antioxidants like lycopene, beta carotene, and naringenin.

6. Raspberries

In addition to being one of the healthiest berries, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/raspberry-nutrition" target="_blank">raspberries</a> are a great addition to a low carb or ketogenic diet.In fact, 1 cup (123 grams) of raspberries provides only 7 grams of net carbs, as this serving size has around 15 grams of carbs and 8 grams of fiber (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167755/nutrients" target="_blank">12Trusted Source</a>).Each serving also offers a good amount of vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K, and copper (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167755/nutrients" target="_blank">12Trusted Source</a>).What's more, raspberries are high in antioxidants that can decrease inflammation and reduce your risk of chronic disease (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26773014" target="_blank">13Trusted Source</a>).<h4>Summary</h4>A 1-cup (123-gram) serving of raspberries contains only 7 grams of net carbs. These berries are rich in vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K, copper, and antioxidants.

7. Peaches

<a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peach-fruit-benefits" target="_blank">Peaches</a> are a type of stone fruit known for their fuzzy skin and sweet, juicy flesh.They're relatively low in net carbs, with 14.7 grams of carbs and 2.5 grams of fiber per cup (154 grams) (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341586/nutrients" target="_blank">14Trusted Source</a>).By moderating your portion size and pairing peaches with other low carb foods, you can fit this tasty fruit into a healthy keto diet.Furthermore, they're rich in other important micronutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/niacin-benefits" target="_blank">niacin</a> (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341586/nutrients" target="_blank">14Trusted Source</a>).According to a study in 1,393 people, regularly eating peaches along with other fruits and vegetables high in flavonoids and stilbene may even be linked to improved triglyceride and cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522824" target="_blank">15Trusted Source</a>).<h4>Summary</h4>One cup (154 grams) of peaches provides 12.2 grams of net carbs. This stone fruit also offers a wealth of other nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and niacin.

8. Cantaloupe

The <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-of-cantaloupe" target="_blank">cantaloupe</a> is a type of muskmelon closely related to other varieties of melon, such as watermelon and honeydew.Each serving of cantaloupe is relatively low in net carbs, with just 12.7 grams of carbs and 1.5 grams of fiber per cup (156 grams) (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341538/nutrients" target="_blank">16Trusted Source</a>).Plus, just a single serving provides a hearty dose of folate, potassium, and vitamin K (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341538/nutrients" target="_blank">16Trusted Source</a>).It's also one of the best sources of beta carotene, a type of plant pigment that plays a central role in immune function and eye health (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3139236/" target="_blank">17Trusted Source</a>).Still, depending on your daily carb allowance, you may want to opt for a smaller portion size to fit cantaloupe into your diet.<h4>Summary</h4>With 11.2 grams of net carbs in each cup (156 grams), cantaloupe can be incorporated into a well-planned ketogenic diet. Cantaloupe also contains folate, potassium, vitamin K, and beta carotene.

9. Star Fruit

Also known as carambola, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/star-fruit-101" target="_blank">star fruit</a> is a vibrant, star-shaped tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia.Although star fruit is not as common as many other types of fruit, it's a popular choice for those on a ketogenic diet due to its low carb content.In fact, a 1-cup (108-gram) serving of star fruit contains just 7.3 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171715/nutrients" target="_blank">18Trusted Source</a>).Star fruit is also packed with vitamin C, copper, potassium, and pantothenic acid (<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171715/nutrients" target="_blank">18Trusted Source</a>).<h4>Summary</h4>A 1-cup (108-gram) serving of star fruit contains just 4.3 grams of net carbs. Star fruit is also a good source of vitamin C, copper, potassium, and pantothenic acid.

The Bottom Line

Although fruits are often considered off-limits on the ketogenic diet, plenty of low carb fruits can be incorporated into the diet.In addition to being low in <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/net-carbs" target="_blank">net carbs</a> and high in fiber, many of these fruits offer a wealth of other important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.Enjoy these fruits in moderation alongside a variety of other low carb foods as part of a well-rounded ketogenic diet.

Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.

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