I've only ever had one mantis actually try and bite me...and it was one of the little Elmantis females (they're the most vicious things I've kept so far). I certainly would hold the Parasphendale, I just don't bother moving them around/off their lids if I don't have to because it's often a headache to get a traveling mantis back in its cage (the female membranacea crawling on me in the above shots is far larger than the budwing, and did not want to go back in her house).
[MENTION=5846]adnedarn[/MENTION]: these are the first Gonatista I've ever had, so I haven't tried handling them really yet (unless they crawl on me, in which case it's just trying to nudge them back in the container before the fruit flies escape). Couldn't say if they calm down with age, but I'd doubt it, though mine are not particularly jumpy. The less you move the less jumpy they'll be though.
[MENTION=7563]thez_yo[/MENTION]: your "cup" probably has a Chinese mantis ooth in it; it's up in the air whether or not it will be fertile, but if it is, after diapause (the winter cold season) it'll usually take 1-2 months before hatching for most species, and the nymphs of that species tend to have a fairly high die-off rate so mist them regularly and don't disturb them if you don't have to. That said though, they're non-native and if they're going outdoors at all probably better if not too many end up making it. Better if a more native species was acquired and raised up (I think Carolina mantids are found in California, if not other related species are and plenty of keepers keep North American species).