Hymenopus coronatus, Hymenopodidae, female, molt to subadult. Compressed from about 25 minutes into 2. Music: Tearsfallen, The Origin Of Pleasure And Pain - Hope
1st time mantis parent... I happened upon a bunch by accident when they hatched out of a christmas tree. They're about 7 or 8 days old, and I'm keeping them (5 total) in separate Mason jars with cheesecloth lids. I mist 2X per day, as visible water droplets seem to dry up within 2-3 hours. I believe they'll hang from the cheesecloth when molting. If this is the case, how on earth will I be able to mist them during/directly after a molt?? Misting through the cheese cloth doesnt seem like a remotely good idea
I have a question how long does a mantis usually molt for irs my first time having a mantis and I just want to know how long the molting process will taken
When do they molt? I'm new with working with mantids and stuff so I'm not sure. I have an L2 orchid mantis. Is there something specific i should do when it molts? I heard some people say it doesn't eat when it molts.
Yes, they generally don't eat for a few days before and after molting. At this small size it might only be one day or it might even eat the same day it molts. When you know a molt is incoming remove all feeders from its enclosure that could disturb it and just generally leave it alone as much as possible. You can also spray some water for it to drink, if the mantis is well hydrated there is less chance of a mismolt.
Fruchtpudding And how exactly do i know a molt is coming? I think she's gonna molt soon, but I'm not sure (Incase anyone wants to say "why did you get a mantis if you dont know alot?" i do know alot about them, but its different when you actually get the pet. Im just making sure i know everything)
In the later stages you can tell when a molt is coming from the inflation of the wingbuds, but with very small nymphs like you have it's very hard to tell and mostly comes down to experience. Like I said, if it stops eating that's a sign of an incoming molt. Also they will sit in one place over a long time and be very reluctant to move from it, even more than usual. But again, you probably can't tell that yet. Also I know what you mean when you're saying it's different when you actually get the animal. There are a lot of things in this hobby that come down to experience and gut feeling that you can't read about beforehand.
Fruchtpudding Thankyou for understanding! I am 99% sure she's gonna molt soon, she stays in 1 spot (she hangs upside down) and avoids food. I'm very nervous but im leaving her alone so she can do her thing ^^
Fruchtpudding Hey, my mantis had her molt today! I saw her hanging down since yesterday, she kept the same pose for the whole day. But when i checked on her about 3 hours ago she was hanging upside down and i knew she was gonna molt. It took about an hour to get out of her skin, it went so fast! She looks healthy and is active. Its amazing how much bigger they get after one molt. Thanks for rhe advice, it went very well!
Between 1 and 3 days. Just put a few flies in the next day, they can't harm even a freshly molted mantis so you can just keep them in without worrying.
