Another mismolt? Neck bent...please help

[cwebster]

So many tenodora sinensis mismolts.  

This morning noticed another Chinese r mantis trying to molt. He is still holding onto the top of the deli cup by two legs but has been laboring for hours to free his legs. Am so afraid he will tire and fall. His neck is really curved. Leave him alone? Once they fall and are twisted up freeing them doesnt seem to help their survival. Any suggestions? 

 

[cwebster]

Just couldnt take it anymore so I carefully freed his front and back legs. His neck is still bent. Anything I can do? 

 

[Serle]

@cwebster This is a bad situation that I have seen far too often ,seems their antenna get hung up in the exoskeleton and they cannot free themselves.  I f you use a dropper with water it may soften the exudate . Worth a try ..... S

 

[cwebster]

Thank you. I did that and his antenna are free but his neck is still bent. I suppose a splint is out of the question?

 

[Ocelotbren]

How is your mantis doing now?  Once the exoskeleton hardens, there's nothing more you can do, but if it's still a nymph, it can hopefully correct the bend in future molts.  Fingers crossed that it hasn't caused any health concerns.

 

[cwebster]

None of the mantis nymphs with bent necks have made it sadly.