My Pet Mantis’ Molting Problem, and the Solution

[@AnotherWorldTerraria]

The good news is this video will probably help people. The bad news is it reminded me that I want a mantis. :D

[@Aquarimax]

Another World Terraria 😆👍

[@alysani0193]

did you ever get a mantis?

[@Apple-ei1ms]

In my area, I have only small mantis species, no hierodula species so far sadly

[@gr33kb0i]

This single handily helped my little guy Stay alive Thank you for the information, advice and encouragement!

[@Aquarimax]

gr33kb0i you’re welcome! I am glad it helped!

[@josuerosales6485]

@@Aquarimax how do I handle my mantises current situation since from what I can tell it molted on one of the cricket egg cartons and is in the process of drying, but it's having trouble staying attached to netting and can't seem to be able to use it's front hunting legs. How do I solve this situation!? Also the species is cat eyed mantis or giant african stick mantis.

[@Aquarimax]

@@josuerosales6485 once it has dried, if it can’t use its hunting legs, you will need to feed it by hand. 😕

[@carmen7459]

I currently have a mantis who cannot hunt. I'm feeding him by hand. Thanks for this encouraging story! I hope mine will make it to the next molt. 🤞🏼

[@Aquarimax]

I hope so too ! 🙏

[@JordanGamesOfficialChannel]

I'm so happy it recovered! I have a pet mantis of my own and I fear molting problems all the time! Take care!

[@leahh.4444]

I'm glad you actually covered the method you found as the link says the video is no longer available. Thanks Russ!

[@MrMannerless]

This video helped me see that a mantis can molt basically vertically on the stick, I have the exact same mantis as yours, as I saved it from being a spiders meal just 10 days ago in my garage, and have been feeding it tiny critters from the garden and pinhead crickets I bought from the store. I keep it in a slim but tall tupperware container with soil from the garden and a leafy stick that is diagonal.

[@MJ-ct3gv]

My mantis died from a bad moult. His body was stuck in a bent position and front legs were twisted also. I am so sad. He was the lone survivor from the Ootheca and has been with me since last Sept. This was his final moult. It really makes me sad that he couldn't have had one more so we could try to fix him. On the flipside, I am so happy for all of you that can help your mantids until they can molt again. ♥️

[@Aquarimax]

I am so sorry you lost that one! 😢

[@tracys_plants]

That’s great! You’re a patient man. Lucky mantis 💕

[@Aquarimax]

Tracy B thank you! It was certainly an experience to help me practice patience!

[@themantisgarden]

I've done this so many, many times with a lot of mantis over the years. I'm currently doing it now for one that has a bent raptor - hopefully, it will all work out :) Glad you shared this for others.

[@soundcloudsim8411]

Thanks for sharing this 💕 I found my mantis on my front porch (actually, i found several, but i just kept the one)! I named them Murphy, and he is officially going thru their first molt with me! Just in case something bad happens during molt i want to be prepared! This video has helped alot!

[@Aquarimax]

Tara A I hope Murphy has a successful molt 🙏

[@MJ-ct3gv]

2 years late but love to think there was a praying mantis named 'Murphy' out there. Maybe if I get another male I will name him Mulder. 😊Or Fox Moulter?...😉👽

[@CFarnwide]

Great tips! We currently have a few mantids. One of them molted today which the kids were able to witness. So amazing! Luckily all molts have been successful but I’m glad I ran across your video. Thanks!

[@mickiem6833]

I'm so glad you posted this! I have a double shield mantis who just had a bad molt. I went to feed him a week ago and although he was hanging from the lid, his head was resting on his chest. It took me a while to realize there was exuvium on its [lips] and nothing below his elbows had shed. So the exuvium was connecting his mouth to his abdomen. I could tell he was too weak to do anything, so I made a little cradle in a bowl and gently dripped warm water on him. He was lapping it. I don't know how long he had been in this condition. I began to gently pull the exuvium until I got it off. It took about 45 minutes. I put him back in his enclosure expecting to find him dead in the morning but he was alive! I chilled fruit flies (although he is about 4th instar and eating 1/2" crickets, I wanted to go slow). He tried to catch the flies, but one of his forelegs is not formed or is broken. He can't catch or hold anything. I try to hold food for him but he just takes small bites and I know he is not eating enough. I'm going to try liquid Bug Burger tonight. He is drinking water but not eating enough to make it to his next molt, I fear. He hasn't taken anything unless it is moving. Any suggestions? They sure have puppy dog eyes when they need you!

[@Aquarimax]

MickieM Hi Mickie! Have you tried honey diluted with a little water to help give your mantis a boost of energy? That may help. When my mantis was having troubles it was kind of a battle of stubbornness...I had to keep pushing the food into its mouth despite her protests...eventually she would give in and eat. I hope the honey helps!

[@C_a_m_i_2024]

My mantis has mismolted...Thank you for your vid...unfortunately the video you mentioned is no longer available. I sprayed the enclosure (the plastic 32 oz container) and will wait a couple of hours. I watched him drink and I will place some flies in the freezer then begin feeding...He's doing okay...I feel so bad for him cuz he wants to come out but I think it's best he stays in his enclosure. 🙏🏾 Thanks again

[@mountainhobbit1971]

very cool...that is one lucky Mantis! I wouldn't object to being hand fed! Reminds of when my freshwater shrimp molt...I always get nervous that one will get 'stuck in it's own skin'.

[@Aquarimax]

Sean Meister Molting is so vital, for Arthropoda, and yet such a vulnerability at the same time...

[@astrodom199o5]

At times when my mantis won’t eat, I rip the off of the cricket, hoppers. Rip head off carefully so the guts won’t come out with head. Then I’d squeeze the guts and juice right up to the mantis mouth to get the taste buds going. She’ll grab the food after tasting it. Box of live food have a lot inside and are cheaper than a coffee at a cafe so I didn’t worry about wasting food if at times the mantis don’t eat

[@elliotsmith102]

Sadly with mine the previous moult which went badly (one of her rearmost legs looked somewhat fine but she wouldn’t touch it against anything) meant that she slowly lost her grip on the twig she was hanging from.. no Christmas miracle I guess.

[@silveroreplay]

OMg im having the same problem with my mantis shes really small and i feed her but she always pushes the food away and then when she finally holds the food with one claw she eats it a little and the drops it and i feel like shes not eating enough:( TY SO MUCH FOR HELPING ME YOUR A LIFE SAVER.

[@01lvla53]

Thank you!

[@GabrielLycosa]

Nice experience, is a miracle and is posible, thx for share the experience!

[@Aquarimax]

Thank you! Ever time I see my mantis I am so grateful it is doing great!

[@everythingcreated4636]

If you need to increase the ambient humidity, you can put a small, sealed container of water with holes poked in the top in her enclosure, as the water evaporates, it will dramatically increase the humidity. I hope this was helpful.😂

[@Aquarimax]

EverythingCREATED good idea! Thank you!

[@everythingcreated4636]

Your welcome! I hope it works.🤞

[@steveboutcher80]

Yeah, this works pretty well. Done the same thing myself. If you can get food to gently touch the mouthparts, then they will almost always automatically start eating. I guess this is like spoonfeeding an insect.

[@Juunkead]

I always see these bugs hanging out on my window. They are very curious and follow you with their head. But no way am I touching them! Very interesting video!

[@Aquarimax]

Juunkead thank you! Enjoying their behavior in the wild as you do is a great way to appreciate mantids! 😁👍

[@theginjaninja132]

Must be cool to see wild mantids so easily, definately don't put your hands near then if they are large some species can draw blood from a person.

[@pattymelt6577]

I have brought wild mantids in the house and they do well. You don't have to pick it up. If you put your finger in front them, they will climb on, just like a pet parrot! If they don't walk onto your finger, then leave it be. I've had a few I brought into the house, and I let them roam free. They will stay mostly in a window, which is a good place to catch flies. Sometimes they will get lonely, and come down to visit you, if you are sitting quite still. If the bug supply is not good, it is best to put them back out. I found one outdoors which had either had a bad molt, or survived an attack. I kept her indoors where she could be safe. She loved stink bugs, and some could always be found on my porch. You can let a wild one step on you finger, and just stay outside with it. It is always fun to spend a little time holding one.

[@peterwookie7779]

have an l3 basically the same ive been catching fruit flies with a needle nose angled tweezers. crush the head. and hold a wing so it doesn't stick to the tweezers and hand feeding. holding the tweezers on the side or behind the mantis relative to the light. wave it back and forth a half inch until its head tracks. then move it in really slow. they usually try to strike. and slowly bring it to the mouth and if it tastes it. voila it will eat. it's a fun but sometimes tedious little dance. on a side note... one of mine is not coming out green or brown... it's whole body is like a dark shade of magenta. ever seen that before?

[@meganreed6166]

Do you have any advice for a mantis who's wings came out and dried poorly?

[@lwarmospherel4427]

Hey sorry to hear that. As far as I know, If the mantis has wings, it means it is already an adult and it will not molt anymore to recover its wings back :'(

[@ilovemyself9565]

Very cool! Awesome it survived I hand feed my mantis sometimes lol

[@Aquarimax]

Animalowner1 208 Thanks! I was so glad the mantis pulled through! 👍

[@wolfymudkips4266]

Really helpful thanks!

[@Aquarimax]

Glad it helped!

[@Crystalspets]

OMG i love prayingmantis i watch one in my front yard every day 😊😊

[@Aquarimax]

Crystal Casares a great way to enjoy mantids! 😁👍

[@Zhiyuuuuuuu]

sir can you show me how to make an inclosure using the soil.....because i don't have a sphagnum moss

[@matlinwhitten9414]

How was your mantis able to kilt again I’d it couldn’t quite hold onto the stick to go upside down? Mines back legs are curved upward and elongated- almost like they are on backwards, from the last molt. It’s about 2 inches long now so getting bigger! I have been feeding it and it’s eating, but Anyways I’m afraid it won’t be able to latch onto something correctly to molt correct for the next time?:-/

[@Aquarimax]

Matlin Whitten If the back legs can serve as molting anchors, that is a concern. What do you have for a molting platform? Something that is especially easy to grip could help.

[@dinosaurterrorworld144]

Thanks rus I just got my mantis today!

[@Aquarimax]

Dinosaurs Terroir World Awesome! I hope yours molts perfectly ever time!

[@dinosaurterrorworld144]

Aquarimax Pets can he eat dudia roaches

[@Aquarimax]

Dinosaurs Terroir World yes, but make sure you don’t use substrate that the roach can bury itself in.

[@dinosaurterrorworld144]

Aquarimax Pets I’m using coco hocks with moss is that a good substrate?

[@SilkMilkJilk]

Dinosaurs Terroir World I would recommend pallid roaches, they are much smaller than dubias and they tend to climb to the top, where someone would be waiting ;-)

[@IllusionQueen4Eva]

Found a bug in my bathroom and decided to keep her as a pet. She has been stuck in a molt for two days, her head and most of her legs are stuck. I kept wetting the container to increase the humidity but I think she's as good as dead. I'm considering pulling the molt off of her, but I bet I'll end up pulling her head off too.

[@Aquarimax]

How is it doing now?

[@grlomrocks]

My mantis molted but she couldnt pull out one of her back legs, she has green "blood" around the waist where the leg starts but is other then that looking fine, will she bleed out or is it gonna fully heal next molt? Thanks upfront!

[@salvolondon]

Russ I need your help . Today in a vase with rain water in my terrace I saw some mosquito larvae ( we have loads of mosquitos over here in this season unfortunately ) , and without thinking too much I took one larvae and give it to my fish in the main Tank ( guppies ,mollies , rasboras , betta and swordtail ) ,I didn't put the water that was in the vase ( was with dirt and pretty muddy ) , but only one larvae with the net . Now I am afraid I made a huge mistake , I don't know who ate it as it disappeared very quickly , but you think I might have introduced some terrible bacterial or virus in my tank ? I am scared I made a huge mistake , my fish are so happy and healthy , I don't wanna have ruined it . What you think ? Should I be worried ? How many days before I wpuld see sign of illness in my fish ? I've done a water change after .

[@Aquarimax]

Salvo Smith I feed mosquito larvae to my fish when the occasion presents itself, and had never had any issues because of it. I wouldn’t worry too much. Any and all of those fish would likely eat lots of mosquitoes in the wild. If you had caught the larva in a pond containing fish, there would be a greater risk of transmitting disease, but in this case, I doubt there will be any problems.

[@salvolondon]

+Aquarimax Pets thanks so much my friend 😀😀😀

[@erarebirth]

Thanks for this video! My mantis molted yesterday, and it doesn't look like it's doing so well? I'm educating myself so if it doesn't seem recovered by say tomorrow I might try feeding it again in the way you mentioned. It molted yesterday morning and has been super sluggish, and has been spending a lot of time on the "ground" of it's enclosure. After previous molts it seemed to bounce back within a few hours, so this is why I'm concerned. Then again it also seems to have grown substantially with this particular molt, so I wonder if it's just taking longer because it's a more significant molt? Not only is it sluggish, but it's back legs look a little odd, more curved than I would think they should be... I'm going to watch the other video you referenced now. If by tomorrow it's not moving better maybe I'll try offering it something food wise. In the mean time I've made sure to keep it in a lightly misted environment and keep moist paper towel near it so it can hopefully try to drink if it needs to.

[@Aquarimax]

Allison Andrew I hope your mantis is ok. It sounds like it may have had a mismolt with regard to its back legs. As they get older, they take a little longer to recover before their exoskeletons harden. Hopefully it will be ok by tomorrow.

[@Model_BT-7274]

My mantis got it's raptorial limbs stuck so I missed the enclosure and waited hours. Nothing happened so I made a post on a forum and they suggested cutting the part of the skin that was holding him on a bad angle that was making his body an L shape. I just cut it but now I'm worried that I should've just waited until tomorrow instead. His arms are stuck together by his shedded skin. Some of his wings are long but one is crumpled. He also is no longer trying to wiggle his legs out. It's not looking good.

[@jontython]

Did you manage to sort your mantis out mate?

[@sybillabakzaza955]

I'm going through this right now with a mantis that arrived with contorted forceps from shipping and she's literally hanging from her molt right now. I'm trying hard for her! I got her to eat yesterday before this little molt but she's stuck so I've sprayed her down. I'll let you know what happens!

[@DowntheWormHole]

That was awesome!

[@Aquarimax]

Down the Worm Hole Thank you! 😁👍

[@Lowkey.Brielle-h1c]

My mantis milted with a 90 bend in its thorax.. is there a fix for this?

[@Aquarimax]

Mike 361 If it can still feed, and it is not its terminal molt, the best thing to do is just wait until the next molt. If molting conditions are favorable, it should come out just fine next time.

[@simongriffiths5261]

I've done this for the last 3 moults for one of mine.

[@Aquarimax]

I hope it manages to molt properly on the last one!

[@flamingbridges1649]

My orchid mantis moulted several days ago. She did however ended up falling to the bottom of her enclosure. My issue is it's been 3 days and she is still sitting on the bottom of the enclourse. She is making no attempts to climb back to the top and she ignores the fly I've put in for her. I don't know what to do.

[@guccipucci2560]

My mantis had a very similar problem, and I would cut a mealworm and hold it up to his mouth to feed him until he molted again. That final molt happened today, but it was *another* mismolt. He’s alive, but I don’t think he’ll ever hunt again.

[@Aquarimax]

Aysia LastName That’s sad...was that the final molt?

[@guccipucci2560]

Aquarimax Pets unfortunately, yes. He’s airing out his wings now; he seems okay, but I’m worried about the fact that his thorax is so rounded. The determining factor of whether I can feed him or not lies in his ability to swallow with a curved thorax.

[@Aquarimax]

Aysia LastName I hope he can swallow! 🙏

[@guccipucci2560]

Aquarimax Pets I hope so too

[@leahh.4444]

How's he doing?

[@tylerrosendale8293]

Is there a way I can get my mantis to not fly away when it’s in my hand

[@boomer97146]

Hi there, we are new to having a pet mantis, we got her when she was really little, about a month and half ago. She has molted just fine the first few times. This morning I woke up and she seemed to be stuck coming out of her exo, hanging from the net of the top. I came home later and she had fallen to the leafy bottom of the cage, but she is still very alive. I feel terrible! How can I help her, she seems like her back legs are still in the last molt? I need help I don't want her to suffer! Any advice appreciated.

[@Aquarimax]

boomer97146 how is it doing now? I know it has been a while since you posted. I xtra humidity makes be helpful if there are just little parts of the back Legs stuck.

[@boomer97146]

@@Aquarimax He is totally crippled, but still very alive. He can't walk or even sit up, just lays there. I fed him a bunch of fruit flies last night, and he gobbled them up. I just don't see how he's going to get better, it looks as though his back legs are still totally encased and never came out of the exo. I have him resting in a bowl comfortably with a moist towel next to him, and a dark place. It's so sad

[@jerumd]

Good to note there buddy :) Yea I wish I still live in the Philippines till this day. We have sustainable amount of mantises over there all year round especially around the rainy months. I would love to keep them here in the USA but, unfortunately.. They don't live very long and mates of the same exact species are so rare to find over here compered to the ones that we catch back home straight out of my yard, unless If I am foolish enough to do the hazards of inbreeding two siblings here in the USA which is highly unlikely in my part lol The ones that we caught back home back in my childhood years are quite huge, (about 6 inches for adult females) and looked just like the common African greens or brown species that we purchase here in the USA except.. They have this weird almost a tattoo like patterns on their chest when doing a defensive stance, maybe to scare off a specific predator they frequently encounter who are also native on our Island I guess?? lol I have yet to figure out what species we normally catch back in our hometown province in Leyte Island Philippines, since most of our species back home are undescribed. I am guessing they're in the Hierodula genera?? If they can live a very long time and can be mated over and over for me to enjoy them through years to come, I might be inclined on keep them here in the USA. I just can't handle losing another pet that can only rain for a year or less. Even losing one of my Ts, Scorpions, or Centipedes that can live for a long time is enough to ruin my entire day lol I really wish they can live or rain longer. Thanks again for the helpful info buddy :)

[@Aquarimax]

You’re welcome! I agree…the biggest downside to keeping a mantis is definitely the short lifespan.

[@jerumd]

@@Aquarimax That's right! It's like keeping another roach species. Well, a highly evolved and intelligent predatory roach that is lol

[@coconutmilk123]

I do not know much about bugs. I am not a bug person. I found one molting on my screen door. I found some flies and water to give to him or her. I'm not sure he will survive. What's really bad is I thought it was cannibalizing its mate before I realized it was a molting problem. I'm trying to figure out how to enclose a picture. I wish it would get better I gave it some water.

[@Beth777]

My son’s mantis seems to be trying to molt hanging in the wrong direction. Will it be fine molting that way?

[@Aquarimax]

On a vertical surface, tail down?

[@Beth777]

Aquarimax Pets yes.

[@Beth777]

I’m not even sure it’s molting. But it has stopped eating and has hung like that for 2 days now. Hanging on only with her front raptorial legs.

[@Aquarimax]

@@Beth777 I am sure you suspected, that is not a good sign. Is it moving at all?

[@Beth777]

Aquarimax Pets hardly moving :(

[@heifi6528]

That’s what happened to my mantis but it was it’s back legs

[@Shytbyrd]

Man, my mantis just had a bad molt where it fell mid mold. His legs are pretty twisted right now and he’s barely moving. This is his last molt I’m thinking since he just got his wings. I’m so bummed out. I planned on releasing him after he got his wings. :/

[@Aquarimax]

Sio sad! Not much hope for recovery on a mismoly if it’s the ultimate. 😢

[@Shytbyrd]

@@Aquarimax yea unfortunately he didn’t make it. I found him as a nymph and wanted to give him best chance at mate so I raised him hoping I could release when he could fly.

[@bryangonzalez6096]

Mine is huge but it looks like he’s back legs are floppy and can’t move properly after the molting?

[@stuffs8802]

Hey, I really need help, my praying mantis fell while moulting. I don't know what to do. Can you please help me?

[@milliepaull5335]

hey my mantis randomly went really weak on Sunday so I've been taking special care of her and i noticed her wing buds are swollen but she can't hang upside down because of how weak she is is there anyway I can help her? x

[@Aquarimax]

You can try offering a little honey diluted with water…it may or may not help.

[@AvalilzzOfficial]

Please help me I have a L4 mantis and yesterday it was fine but today she's been laying on her side at the bottom twitching arms and legs and she did turn her head to look at me but she's unable to stand it looks like her front (praying legs) are stuck or something I suspect she fell during a molt please tell me what I can do :( can I save her :( if anything. I'm so upset we've only had her a week

[@5uperi0r]

How long does it take for a giant asian praying mantis to molt as mine usually do it overnight but then i recently checked google and it says it's meant to take 9-15 days. Could anyone tell me how long from when a mantis has started to hang up side down motionless it will take to molt?

[@ascendingspirit1976]

I have a problem with my mantis. She has recently breeded. And of course she ate the male. This was about a week ago and she seemed like she was doing fine. But today she was kind of way at the bottom barely holding on. And moving. I picked her up and got her to move a little bit, but I cannot get her to eat at all. Is she okay, or she just getting ready to molt or dying? She has not laid eggs yet. As far as I can tell I don't know how long it takes them to Lady eggs after they mate.

[@Aquarimax]

Ascending Spirit that doesn’t sound good. Can you get her to nibble a bit of honey off of your finger?

[@ascendingspirit1976]

@@Aquarimax No, I can't get her to eat anything even if I put the bug in her face. She just sits there. Now she is. Just dangling by her front legs stretched Away out. I hope she's not dying. This is my first mating pair so Im Not well-versed in this yet. I really hope I don't lose her.

[@Aquarimax]

Ascending Spirit I hope you don’t lose her either, but it is not sounding very hopeful. 😰

[@jaspbay5860]

Hi I was wondering if you knew why my mantis is not using one of his back legs - sticks he out to the side and try’s not to use it

[@Aquarimax]

It may have been a bad molt or just an injury. If the other three legs are fine, and it has more molts left, it may fix it the next time.

[@jaspbay5860]

@@Aquarimax thank you

[@myahbanton5371]

My mantis hasn't molted for about 7 weeks he is still really small but very healthy and lively I'm feeding him plenty of food and misting the cage quite regularly. Is there any reason for this

[@hunter.1]

Hello, my mantis just finished his molt, about 20 hours ago. I can moisture his enclosure or i should wait even if i think its a bit dry?

[@Aquarimax]

Hunter I would wait until 24 hours or a little longer 😊👍

[@hunter.1]

Aquarimax Pets thx mate. this is my first praying mantis so i am trying to do the best possible and learn the necessary to care of it ^^ by the way, even the mantis is adult we can still feed it with house flyes or it will refuse to eat? best regards

[@Aquarimax]

Hunter That is greatThat you are trying to take the best possible care of it. 👍Most mantids will eat houseflies as adults. 👍

[@jellyg14]

My Giant African stick mantis is in its last molt as we speak. Its hunting legs are also slightly caught in front of her. If she comes out if it alive I imagine there isn't anything I can really do for her? Given she won't be molting again

[@Aquarimax]

Angelica Chanslor If she turns out to have difficulty feeding, you can hand feed her...but that would be about it. 😢

[@jellyg14]

Yeah that's what I thought 😞 but thank you for the response.

[@Justpassingby204]

My little guy has a leg injured from a fall, what should I do ?

[@Aquarimax]

Can it still get around and hunt?

[@tycreations3476]

So, I have a question! I have this same species and ive noticed my mantis Matcha has yellow scabs/crust over her eyes and frequently rubs her eyes trying to get it off but seemingly can't. Do you know what this could be, a fungi or anything?

[@Mannuriah]

Did he get it from a molt? It could just be maturing

[@ChristopherSchiffermiller]

Hi and thanks for the video. My baby mantis just molted the other night and it looked strange and then it fell to the ground into the flower pot. It was having trouble with its antenna stuck in the old skin and also a "hunch back". I had assisted it on the ground as it is about 2 inches and 2.5 months old. I uses a tweezer as I had him gently in my palm and removed the old skin as it kicked and pushed out of it. The issue now24 hours later is that it still has the hunchback and head point down, as well as his from claws look reversed? It walks, kicks it claws about and can sort of hang on the leaves and stems of the plant. Doesnt look like its able to upright its head and fix its claws the right way and seems like its body is maybe softening or wrinkling, maybe needs hydration? I decided after some research, to mist it with some water and it didnt like that too much as he tried to run around. Its really upsetting to see it in this state and its fully alert and the four main legs work, but the head/back and front claws are not looking good. Is there a way to get it upright and how long does a molt and then drying take affect? The last time him/her and the other baby molted they looked perfect even though they seem to fight like crazy to get free from the old skin. Seemed like they only took a few minutes and went about there business and neither had any strange body issues or even the deflated looking or lower body. Any advice would be great asap and. Not sure I could feed it anything with the head and body hunched over like it is. I read a comment on a site that said a humane way to let it die would be to put it in the freezer. Thanks in advance, Chris

[@Aquarimax]

Oh, sorry for the late reply. Has it passed already?

[@ChristopherSchiffermiller]

@@Aquarimax Hi, yes, the next day he was dead, as he couldnt seem to get his head and back straight after the molt. How common is this with babies? The humidity in the room was about 40-45% and this little guy was from an egg sack I hatched in my home around my indoor farming and gardens. So they had free range to move around as I kept them on the plant if they ran around the floor. I thought they would eat all the aphids that seem to multiply daily, but they really werent into eating much until about 2 months old. Is it common for egg sacks not to hatch at all?

[@Aquarimax]

@@ChristopherSchiffermiller This is fairly common with humidity that low is some species. They seem to benefit a lot from drinking a good amount right before a molt, and from daily humidity spikes especially right before a molt.

[@ChristopherSchiffermiller]

@@Aquarimax Thank you for the info. He did drink a lot the day before and I keep them misted around the leaves and plants in case they need water; I guess its just unique situation. As for the humidity, I have lots of mantises out in the garden here in far northern cali and the average is about 30% during the summer, many times its barely 20%. Thanks again as they are hard to keep as babies as they run around everywhere.

[@ChristopherSchiffermiller]

@@Aquarimax I just found one my baby 1.5 inch mantis standing upright on the ground soil of my pot plant and saw a tiny barely half inch centipede seemingly checking it out by its back end. When I looked closer to see what was going on, my mantis head was gone, but the front claws and all legs were still in normal position as if standing still?! The body seemed empty as if it molted. Is it possible that the tiny centipede killed my baby mantis?! Seems almost impossible for that size centipede to do so, but I saw a video of a equal size centipede vs a mantis here on YT and the mantis had little chance. Wow, im stunned if that killed my mantis.

[@RexVonTerror]

Please help. My praying mantis has an arched back and looks like hunchback because of a bad molt. He is moving and well, it seems, but looks disoriented because it needs to move that part of it's body when climbing and it looks so weird... It just happened less than 12hrs ago... After it molted it was on the floor and looked dead. I said I would check back on it in an hour and when I returned it had moved away from the floor and was on a leaf looking hunched up. I returned again after 15 minutes and again it had moved. I then opened the enclosure, picked it up and it was moving around fine but as if it's torso was glued or something... Like it moves as if it's a still stick with only it's legs moving... Will he be fine?

[@Aquarimax]

Poetry In Death Sorry to hear that...did it molt i to an adult? Also, if it can eat normally (or if you can hand-feed it) it should be possible to get it to molt again and recover, as long as that wasn’t its terminal (last) molt.

[@RexVonTerror]

@@Aquarimax no it is mid-size but it can't even move around because it is hunched so badly... How can this be prevented please

[@Aquarimax]

Poetry In Death you can usually prevent issues like that by keeping in mind a couple of things: Generally, mismolts are caused by humidity that is too low, or by improper molting platform (not enough height, or not enough horizontal surface to hang from securely.

[@ccompson2]

Agh this happened to a few of my mantis, had one finally make it to adult today and it fell or something during its molt, now it's all messed up and has a broken leg 😕

[@Aquarimax]

Oh no! 😢

[@hutchzy9219]

I've had a ghost mantis mismolt. She's lost two toes so can't hang and her front arms are strait and missing some bits on the end, my only lighter coloured girl two, I believe she pre sub. I have kept her going by breaking open premature fly casters and letting her eat the insides. It's worked well and she's kept going. I'm now left trying to figure out how to hang her ready for her shed and being lucky enough to spot the sigh s in time. If anyone has any suggestions I'm all ears?

[@meganreed6166]

This happened to my mantis.. he's small he had a mismolt. I can't even get him started on eating even when hand feeding he just fights me. What do I do to get him started??

[@Aquarimax]

If you can fit it to chew even a little, it will usually start…sometimes you may need to split an insect open so it tastes the inside…kind of gross, but can work

[@maddyminton8931]

Just wondering if anyone can help but my giant African mantis usually sheds very regularly but now it’s been a long time and she still has not shed and I don’t know why but she is not an adult

[@Aquarimax]

Maddy Minton How long has it been? As they get older, the interval between sheds gets longer...

[@maddyminton8931]

thanks for telling me about how the intervals between each shed gets longer i believe that’s what’s happening but I was just worried that she just wasn’t gonna she’d or something so thank you so much

[@janinegrace2993]

i love your videos!!!

[@Aquarimax]

janine grace Thank you! 😊👍

[@jorgundom]

Hello please I need help, my mantis molted into an adult and his wings were messed up and mangled, all his body parts are fine and they work, but his wings are messed up, can I fix them and will he be alright?

[@Aquarimax]

Jorgundom it is unlikely that you can do much for the wings at this point. It’s good that all the legs are fine. The mantis will probably be ok as long as it can eat, drink, and move normally.

[@jorgundom]

Aquarimax Pets it’s been attempting to fly and I’ve tried to straighten it’s wings, but nothing’s working, I’ll try feeding him today and I will water his enclosure.

[@sangitasinha6822]

My mantis died after moulting, why?

[@Aquarimax]

Sangita Sinha It is not uncommon if they fall just after mounting, before their exoskeleton has full schlerotized (hardened). Mounting is actually a pretty traumatic process for them.

[@coconutmilk123]

The mantis can't stand it's hunched back and the legs look misshapened. I think I successfully enclosed a picture do. I wish I would have watched your video a week ago. I will catch some flies and try to feed it. It's not moving much even though I got the exoskeleton off after wetting it. I am scared of bugs and I am grossed out but I can't stand the Mantis suffering. It did take a few bites of some dried-up flies

[@rescuenature4935]

My pet mantis was molting It had molted it's abdomen and head and could not molt it's arms as it was dry and was coming of but just sticked for 6 hours so I carefully pelled it of but it's legs are not coming out of the skin and are and the skin is sticky what should I do I have moisted it's jar and let him drink water as I think was thirsty pls tell me quickly or he will die 😞😩

[@thomasquacks6694]

My l2 couldn’t get its arms and legs out is there a solution for that

[@HammboneBob]

My mantis is super lethargic and wont eat. I don't know what to do, if anyone knows can I get some help?

[@elisewest6524]

I'm so worried my baby had a bad molt and she's still alive .Her back legs are totally wonky .She doesn't look to good and not sure if she'll live

[@Aquarimax]

Elise West oh no! I hope she makes it!

[@elisewest6524]

@@Aquarimax I don't think she will .She's now trying to stand up .Its been way over 2 hrs now and she's still alive .Unfortunately I ran out of Crickets and have no idea how to catch flies

[@xxlilfryexx4511]

I have questions cause my mantis lost a half of his arm and I’m scared he can’t grab this right and Im worried so can you please tell me

[@xxlilfryexx4511]

Also mine wasn’t molt thing I have no idea how it happens

[@Aquarimax]

Can it still arch food with the other arm?

[@petramatkovic4122]

I'm just looking for info how I can help my leaf insect :(( She got really deformed during molt

[@Aquarimax]

Is it the terminal molt?

[@petramatkovic4122]

@@Aquarimax Perhaps. So there are multiple issues. For one, it's unusually cold here during winter. I did manage to find some bramble leaves and they can eat that, although they aren't nice and green leaves. The cold has withered them slightly. The bugs look really dry. Like really dry, and the edges of their abdomen are a little wrinkled and crispy, kinda like crackers. I don't know why they are so dry considering I mist them twice a week, but another person suggested I should mist their enclosure three times, so I'll try to do that. I use rainwater by the way. I had four bugs since they we're nymphs. They were molting fine but a few days ago they started dying one by one all of a sudden. They are at the stage where little wings appear on their backs, and I believe that's one molt away from adult. The two remaining were actually smaller than the dead two and I expected them to die first, but surprise surprise. One of them was deformed during molting a while back, and her leg extensions are completely folded. Surprisingly that one is the most active one yet. She basically ate all the leaves I placed in there. But her abdoment in torn a little bit and I'm worried about her next molt. The other living bug has a big dry lump of feces in her behind. I think it got stuck there but I've been trying to help her all day whenever I can. I pretty much give her droplets of rainwater to drink because she looks really dehydrated. She refuses to eat for now although she seems interested in eating. I did manage to get part of that dry feces out, but her butt seems very stretched and not returning to it's primary form. Tomorrow I'll go scout for some fresher leaves and I'll try to feed her that fresh leaf. The thing is, I feel as if I'm doing something wrong and I don't know what. I'm trying really hard to keep them healthy. I don't know how humid it should be in the enclosure. The sites I've scouted all suggested high humidity :1 I want to know what you think since you seem to have experience with these bugs. I posted a thread on Arachnoboards yesterday, so you can find some photos there. If you cant find it I'll link it here...

[@noahsmommytn23]

My mantist ate one of it's arms off will it grow back? I've never seen this before. He's been fine eating good I spray his house but I noticed his arm is gone just one arm. I had to hand feed him. Looked like he was eating it.

[@Aquarimax]

Is it an adult yet? If not, it can regenerate lost limbs

[@noahsmommytn23]

@@Aquarimax No it's a baby still. It hasn't even been a month yet since I had it. It has molted once since I had it but it arm was there after in molted. I take him outside with me so I can feed it and hold it. Yesterday I just left him alone and today when I took him out I seen his arm was gone but it looked like he was licking it or eating it. I don't want it to die. I know it's just a Bug but I love my mantist a lot. I give it attention everyday. I caught it a fly and it couldn't eat it. I had to hand feed it and it made me so sad. Thank you for Responding to me.

[@Aquarimax]

@@noahsmommytn23 if you can keep it eating , you have a good chance of it regrowing an arm at the next molt. I hope it works!

[@noahsmommytn23]

@@Aquarimax Omgosh thank you sooo much. I hope it works too I'm sad for my mantist.

[@Whiteroomlights]

My mantis keeps hiding and not eating anymore . He lays down and stays very still almost like he’s dead but when I touch him he gets active and moves a lot

[@Aquarimax]

Is yours an adult? How long have you had it?

[@Whiteroomlights]

@@Aquarimax it’s still little like the size of a my pinky. I had it for almost 6 months

[@Aquarimax]

@@Whiteroomlights is it an adult then?

[@Whiteroomlights]

@@Aquarimax I’m not sure it hasn’t grew but it just died today:(

[@Whiteroomlights]

@@Aquarimax I was expecting it because of his decreased movement .

[@aprila4616]

Last molt my mantis had a miss molt and her wings are scrunched up and one for arm will no longer extend so I'm hoping next molt she will have normal wings and 1 rear fixed arm.

[@Aquarimax]

April A if she has her adult wings, I am sorry to say that she will not molt again. Are they just small wing buds?

[@aprila4616]

@@Aquarimax yes I was just reading that. Thanx

[@aprila4616]

@@Aquarimax well I thought so but she's my 1st so I'm learning. She's had add a day happy fat life and I've learned so much! Like how much love and time I was able to give to a bug! She's absolutely amazing and I hope I get to do this again 💓

[@Aquarimax]

April A a mantis can be an amazing pet. I have had a number of them (3 different species) over the years. Currently, we have an orchid mantis. I really enjoy them. I hope you have many mantids in your future!

[@aprila4616]

@@Aquarimax oh wow! Yes the are and I would love to see a live orchid mantis among many others LoL Amazing little things!

[@larissa82lg]

When can I feed my mantis after molting?

[@Aquarimax]

Wait at least 24 hours so it has to e to harden up

[@kairongnay82]

wow i wished i watched dis vid a week earlier since mine died of starvation

[@Aquarimax]

Kai Rong Nay sad to hear it. At least any future mantis has a better chance of surviving a mismolt

[@tomguereschi129]

Had an entire hatch not molt right :( I clearly did something wrong, can anybody give advice and hopefully I can figure out what I did wrong and never repeat this

[@Aquarimax]

What is your setup like? Many molting issues can stem from lack of proper molting platforms or incorrect humidity.

[@ndhxhsbsksjmsnsnnmx7478]

That one person who disliked the video Smh

[@jamie91995]

Why don’t my daphnia eggs hatch?

[@Aquarimax]

The Jeffrey 27 how long have they been in water? And what type of water did you use?

[@jamie91995]

Close to 2 weeks

[@jamie91995]

D r . S p u d so by dry them out you mean just take them out and leave them to dry or do you mean put them in the sun or under a light

[@Aquarimax]

The Jeffrey 27 drying them again can help. What kind of water did you use? Did they get exposure to sunlight or other bright light?

[@jamie91995]

Aquarimax Pets distilled and I had it in a window

[@theoutdoorexplorer7215]

My mantis molted a couple of days ago and I was super excited and forgot that I shouldn’t hold it until 24 hours after a molt, and I held it fresh after molting, and sadly thats what killed it. 1 like=one prayer for Artemis

[@Aquarimax]

The Outdoor Explorer I am sorry to hear that...that is a very appropriate mantis name though...

[@pedrosanchezdelmonton9995]

Can a bad molting change the caracter / behaviour of my mantis? My L6 Brunneria borealis, 4 days after a bad molt, she looks the preys but doesnt attack and doesnt move towards them. Only eat if you put the prey very close to her mouth. But even in this case, doesnt take the prey.

[@Aquarimax]

Pedro sanchez del montón a bad molt can change their behavior. Where is the damage on yours?

[@pedrosanchezdelmonton9995]

@@Aquarimax The last pair of legs is weak so she is always dragging the abdomen. The first ones maybe are not right since she doesnt use them or very few times. She doesnt chase the prey as she does before.

[@coconutmilk123]

He died this evening. 😭

[@Aquarimax]

So sorry for your loss. 😢

[@rbudiman32]

next time, spray your mantis water spray ok

[@Aquarimax]

ReaganWORLD Yes, fortunately my mantis is now a fully grown adult. 😊👍

[@jamescerven4400]

35th

[@Aquarimax]

chico cerven 😆👍

[@cypress420ful]

That’s one fat mantis lol. Your feeding them too much too. If you feed them a lot and keep them real warm, their metabolism will be on full throttle and they won’t live as long. Feed adults a cricket app every 5 days. Younger mantids can eat more frequent, I’m giving my young app 10 fruit flies every 3 days. I just adjust to size of food and age.

[@nicholaslatsaras3631]

Those little structures are called pedipalps my man