2nd molt in 2 weeks - is this normal?

[Nunsoup]

Hi,

My giant Asian has molted for the second time in two weeks, all limbs where they should be,  it was quite a surprise! Is this normal? I thought it would be a while longer between molts.  She looks massive now and has just tackled her first 'big' food - a housefly that I caught - and tackled it with ease, I still find it exciting to watch her feed ?

 

[Mantis_M]

Hey there!

You have a cute mantis

It is possible for that to happen as mother nature has no bounds it seems! Mantis generally molt every 2 or more weeks before the last 2 molts. (correct me anyone if I'm wrong )
As long as they look healthy, drink and eat you shouldn't worry my friend

Keep up the good work and great posting on here, that shows your concerned and a good owner

Happy hunting!

~michael

 

[crabbypatty]

Yay! @Mantis_M is correct! Little things grow up so fast :,)

 

[Teamonger]

I asked this same question not long ago when my mantis brood were molting every week almost like clockwork. None of them were worse for it at all. I'd take it as a sign your mantis is happy and well cared for!

 

[Zeppy44]

While my experience has been limited so far by just having 3 species, I have found it varies not only by molt or L level but also by species. Faster when young then it starts to slow down.  Wait till you are on last molt to adult!  I still have one female that needs one more molt. She is about 7 weeks behind her oldest sister.   AARRGG  A real test of patience for me.

 

[Mantis_M]

The hotter that you keep the mantis and the more you feed them, the faster they tend to grow!! It speeds their metabolism up when thy are warmer.

PS my pet rat "the brain" is trying to use my keyboard on my phone lol

View attachment 8902

 

[crabbypatty]

@Mantis_M As in Pinky and the Brain? Haha, NARF!! It wants to be a mantis too!

 

[Mantis_M]

@Mantis_M As in Pinky and the Brain? Haha, NARF!! It wants to be a mantis too!

Lol yeah I have two pets rats, Pinky & The Brain  - you know whats up!

 

[Ranitomeya]

When mantises are fed as much as the can eat and are kept at optimal temperatures, they will develop as fast as they can and molt as often as they can. In the wild and in captivity, fluctuating temperatures and variable prey frequency can limit their development. If you're keeping them at a warm, stable temperature and feeding them as much as they can eat at every feeding, you might find younger instars and smaller species of mantises molting as frequently or more frequently than once a week. They do slow down as they reach the last instars since increasingly more development must take place before they can continue on to their next instar.