Mantidkid
Well-known member
On Tuesday I got my first praying mantis. I called him/her Manny/Mannie (depends if it's a male or female) any advice on molting? It is l2 currently
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I got my first Mantis!
- Thread starter Mantidkid
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Thrillhouse
Active member
If they don't eat for a day or two, they're probably going to molt, so that's the time to just leave them alone outside of misting the habitat as long as it doesn't disturb them. Mine usually molt when I'm asleep or at work, so I've never actually witnessed it.
Mantidkid
Well-known member
Zeppy44
Well-known member
May I suggest you get rid of all the vermiculite. They will be impossible to keep clean leading to many health problems.
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Kermit
Well-known member
Agreed on removing the substrate and going with easy to change papertowls. Best method for enclosure hygiene, especially in the long run.
To really do it right you should add some type of fabric for traction on at least one of the four sides inside the enclosure. Some species can cling to the sides of glass or plastic, while others cannot. But either way a true gripping surface will enhance the functionality of the enclosure for your pet. A gripping surface on the top of the enclosure is mandatory. Eliminating any chance of Mismolts is the name of the game!
To really do it right you should add some type of fabric for traction on at least one of the four sides inside the enclosure. Some species can cling to the sides of glass or plastic, while others cannot. But either way a true gripping surface will enhance the functionality of the enclosure for your pet. A gripping surface on the top of the enclosure is mandatory. Eliminating any chance of Mismolts is the name of the game!
Mantidkid
Well-known member
Mantidkid
Well-known member
crabbypatty
aka Mad Mantis
@Mantidkid As long as you keep things clean and tidy then the vermiculite shouldn't be a problem. Just do as Kermit says and add fabric.
Sarah K
Well-known member
Yeah, if you opt for keeping the vermiculite as your substrate, you should replace it weekly, especially if you have a lot of it!
Mantidkid
Well-known member
Mantidkid
Well-known member
Ok I'll put some fabric over itNice! I'd agree with the others on vermiculite as a bad choice for a standard substrate. I use it as a water absorption layer in my bio-enclosures, that's really what it's best for.
crabbypatty
aka Mad Mantis
@Mantidkid Like, don't put the fabric on top of the vermiculite, we mean add fabric to the lid so the mantis can molt properly, and add some to the sides so it can grip.
Mantidkid
Well-known member
Oh ok I get it but won't the water droplets for drinking be absorbed if I put fabric on the sides?
crabbypatty
aka Mad Mantis
Not it's tulle or screening material.
Mantidkid
Well-known member
crabbypatty
aka Mad Mantis
Amazon or a fabric place
Mantidkid
Well-known member
Ok thanks for the info I'm new to mantids!
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