narnee78
Member
thursday we found an adult mantis on our sidewalk. 2 things we noticed about this mantis… it’s back 4 legs were folded up underneath it, frozen, without use/movement. it’s wings were fully displayed. it was trying to drag itself along with it’s ‘elbows’. we brought it inside and have been trying to care for it, gently. i will attach a couple of photos for your review. we have propped it up in a container using a plastic straw to get it in a more ‘mantis’ type posture, also to assist with giving it water and food (crickets that i hold for it) and tiny amounts of organic honey. it’s eating power seems very weak, though it is interested and tries. when we first brought it in, it almost appeared as though it was having convulsions (of it’s front arms)… clear twitches at a frequent interval. since thursday, those actions have seemed to decrease in intensity and in frequency. i am noticing that today it’s mouth seems very ‘active’, however, it also seems to be ‘spitting up’ (clear) most of the water it drinks. i have all sorts of ideas as to why it might have been in this condition upon our discovery, but i’d be curious to your thoughts. i also would welcome any suggestions on how to possibly help it feel better. thanks y’all. (the photo collage shows photos from thursday. the single photo is a photo from friday). & i’ve gently assisted in getting those center wings to lay flat.
