Are 2nd instars ok together or should I separate them?

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I finally have at least 5 2nd instars of my iris oratoria babies! It is strange because the nymphs are attacking the bigger ones that molted. (without success of course) Is that normal?

Also, I separated the smallest ones, and still have 2 that have not eaten and I can't find 1. Is there some-kind of nutrient ( like cat food) that I can dip their feet into or something?

 

[Aryia]

I have not kept that sp before so I can't comment for those, but "cannibalism" is normal for praying mantises if they are hungry. Most species are fine being kept together until L4/L5 if fed adequately enough. I personally have to feed my nymphs everyday or I will notice one or two nymphs gone the next day (my nymphs are kept at or over 80F, their metabolism is faster the warmer it is and they get hungry faster too). They are opportunist feeders, they will eat anything they can. Nymphs are very weak and susceptible to attack right when they're molting, usually that's when I notice cannibalism too. So normal, yes when they are hungry, but probably not something you desire.

I did some research on adding nutrients to their diet. It seems like a lot of breeders use bee pollen powder + honey powder. If you want to dip I guess you can dip into honey? Pollen is something natural to their diet that's also very high in nutrients.

So to your question, either feed a lot more or separate them all into individual enclosures. I personally prefer my nymphs to grow asap : )

 

[hibiscusmile]

maybe they are too hungry.

 

[Ntsees]

Looks like yours are doing just fine. When those 2nd instars finish hardening up, they will feed on the 1st instars. Feeding them will reduce the cannibalism, but it won't prevent it. You might not see it, but you'll realize it when you see a very fat 2nd instar.

 

[Ranitomeya]

I've noticed that cannibalism can occur no matter how well fed you keep them. Perhaps on some instinctual level they know that they must eliminate any others that stay too close in order to reduce the possibility of competition in the future even if food is plentiful at present. I've noticed that a well-fed nymph will grab others to take a few fatal bites and drop them.

 

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I've only had one "accident so far. I thought I cleaned my cage, and I hatched new babies, and a 2nd instar that was hiding ate a baby. Otherwise, so far no problems. Thank you for your suggestions on other nutrients. The ones that weren't eating finally ate.