izbiggs
Well-known member
Okay, first of all, disclaimer: I don't think amputations on mantises should be performed unless absolutely 100% NECESSARY. Those instances can be rare depending on species and the situation the mantis is in. That said, there is no solid place on the forum telling members, especially new members, when amputation is necessary and how to do it in a way that provides the mantis with minimal damage. I want to start this thread so people can perform amputations safely, with as least possible risk to their mantis as possible, and know if it's 100% the right thing to do. PLEASE add on with photos, experiences, what works for you, and just anything that will improve this thread and make amputation a more safe, secure, and identifiable choice regarding mantis health. Thanks!
Amputation isn't usually necessary. If a leg is bent wrong or has a bit of exoskeleton stuck on the end, if it seems to be not working correctly from a molt, or just anything molt related, it is most likely not necessary to amputate and just dangerous to the mantis. If a mantis has a limp limb that doesn't work at all but looks normal, amputation may be an option. If the limb has a black tip or spot that could only be an infection, an amputation can save a mantid's life. This happens to orchids more often than most other species. This is the area I have the least information on, so please add on or correct me if I'm wrong.
If you do decide to amputate: First, I would suggest some surgical scissors or very small, sharp scissors that can make small but precise cuts. I would suggest sterilizing them by either boiling water and letting them soak for at least five minutes, or filling a bowl with rubbing alcohol and letting them soak for at least fifteen minutes. Either way, dry them off with a clean cotton cloth after you're finished and you'll have some clean sterile scissors. Then, find the nearest joint closest to where you want to amputate. If you amputate in the middle of the leg, it's harder to heal. In nature, the mantis would probably have that leg torn off at the softer and more easily healable joint. Make sure that the mantis can reach the place where the cut will be made with its mouth! Some suggest cooling the mantis in the fridge or freezer before the amputation to possibly reduce pain or make the mantis slower and calmer. If you decide to cool it, I would suggest the fridge for less likely event of accidental death. Then, take your scissors, make sure you're in the right place, and snip the joint as quickly as possible. You can use liquid bandage to seal the wound and prevent any bacteria from entering the wound. I've heard of wax (I've never tried it, so I have no idea how well it works, this is more of a consolidation) and superglue being used as well. For the wax, you melt it and wait until it's warm but soft and gently cover the wound with it. The superglue is pretty self explanatory. You can also let the wound heal on its own and scab over naturally. Be sure to give the mantis raw, unfiltered, all-natural honey directly from bees to help fight bacteria and give it strength to heal its leg.
Please add on with experiences, photos, and whatever you feel this is missing. I've only performed an amputation once on a ghost that was well beyond saving. I want this issue to be more solid for members considering it so there's no guesswork and potential danger to the mantis involved.
Amputation isn't usually necessary. If a leg is bent wrong or has a bit of exoskeleton stuck on the end, if it seems to be not working correctly from a molt, or just anything molt related, it is most likely not necessary to amputate and just dangerous to the mantis. If a mantis has a limp limb that doesn't work at all but looks normal, amputation may be an option. If the limb has a black tip or spot that could only be an infection, an amputation can save a mantid's life. This happens to orchids more often than most other species. This is the area I have the least information on, so please add on or correct me if I'm wrong.
If you do decide to amputate: First, I would suggest some surgical scissors or very small, sharp scissors that can make small but precise cuts. I would suggest sterilizing them by either boiling water and letting them soak for at least five minutes, or filling a bowl with rubbing alcohol and letting them soak for at least fifteen minutes. Either way, dry them off with a clean cotton cloth after you're finished and you'll have some clean sterile scissors. Then, find the nearest joint closest to where you want to amputate. If you amputate in the middle of the leg, it's harder to heal. In nature, the mantis would probably have that leg torn off at the softer and more easily healable joint. Make sure that the mantis can reach the place where the cut will be made with its mouth! Some suggest cooling the mantis in the fridge or freezer before the amputation to possibly reduce pain or make the mantis slower and calmer. If you decide to cool it, I would suggest the fridge for less likely event of accidental death. Then, take your scissors, make sure you're in the right place, and snip the joint as quickly as possible. You can use liquid bandage to seal the wound and prevent any bacteria from entering the wound. I've heard of wax (I've never tried it, so I have no idea how well it works, this is more of a consolidation) and superglue being used as well. For the wax, you melt it and wait until it's warm but soft and gently cover the wound with it. The superglue is pretty self explanatory. You can also let the wound heal on its own and scab over naturally. Be sure to give the mantis raw, unfiltered, all-natural honey directly from bees to help fight bacteria and give it strength to heal its leg.
Please add on with experiences, photos, and whatever you feel this is missing. I've only performed an amputation once on a ghost that was well beyond saving. I want this issue to be more solid for members considering it so there's no guesswork and potential danger to the mantis involved.
