3rd Time's the Charm

[Aristalochia]

I am super excited today. MY ORCHIDS ARE HATCHING This is my third time buying Hymenopus coronatus stock and first success. I was lucky enough to spot the first baby hatch out it is just unfolding its legs on the substrate and Im watching intently. *passes out cigars*

 

[Ocelotbren]

Congratulations, that is awesome!

 

[River Dane]

Congratulations! Good luck with them!

 

[Connor]

Congrats!!

 

[CosbyArt]

Very nice, and congrats. Your perseverance finally paid off on lucky number 3.

 

[Teamonger]

Congratz! Hatching nymphs is always such a great high and hatching ones you have been struggling to get is EVEN BETTER! I still squeal in glee every time one of my ooths hatch

 

[Aristalochia]

Thanks guys. Yeah, its great, although a bit nerve racking. The second hatchling didnt get its legs apart before hardening so he got stuck, AND nobody else has come out yet! So now I'm worried its too dry. I sprayed to ooth to try to help them emerge incase it was a little dry, because I am anxious. I know some ootheca dont all hatch at once and I should just wait n see, but do hymenopus tend to all come out at once? *holds his breathe*

 

[CosbyArt]

@Aristalochia Just ensure there are no standing water drops or water pooled in the container, as the little nymphs can become stuck in it like tape and die (the surface tension of the water is enough at their size). I've had about twenty nymphs do that with my first attempts at hatching ooths. The easy solution is to place a layer of paper towel down. Dampening the paper towel for humidity, don't mist the ooth directly as it can lead to mold.

Most species do hatch all at once; however, any ooth can have the so-called "scout hatches" where just a few hatch. Usually it is a indication the rest will hatch in the next few days to a week at most.

 

[Aristalochia]

Okay, so far my oothecae have all hatched within 24 hrs, but I read with the Eremiaphila that they tend to hatch over 2 months. Also I know many do not spray their oothecae due to mold concerns, but I also read a few accounts of ooth often hatching after a good spraying and that it might help get out. The first one I got I was told to drench it every other day to simulate the rainy season and it worked out better than I'd hoped, but since mantids are from all over I guess it varries.So long as I avoid mold, it can't hurt can it?

 

[CosbyArt]

@Aristalochia Glad to see you looked up your species, and of course some species do scatter hatches. Much like the Brunneria borealis I've kept - that was crazy.

Indeed if you keep the ooth mold free I do not know of any other problems from it. If though you do get a bit of mold, it is easily wiped away with a wet paper towel. Best of luck.

 

[Serle]

Xlnt to hear the hatching has begun , this is a very exciting and nerve wraking time.   Good luck with the rest ... S