Came into this by accident, am now hooked!

Marianna · Feb 28, 2011

When I was getting ready to decorate our Christmas tree that we cut from a Christmas tree farm here in Pennsylvania, I noticed this cocoon on a limb. Not having the faintest idea what it was, I placed it in a container and tried to keep it cool. About 2 months later, about 50 little praying mantis' (I am still learning the correct words!) were born! It was a crash course - but it seemed I learned everything after the facts! Only 1 survived, and I've grown attached (needless to say). 2 days ago, unfortunately, I think he fell while "molting" and though I tried to untangle his limbs he is almost totally unable to grab or walk. But he lifts his head and looks at me .... and it breaks my heart. I am trying to feed him moist dog food, but have been told from another person on the forum that there's not much hope. So... here I am. I don't want the little guy to suffer but don't want to do what I think I have to do. That is where I am.

ismart · Feb 28, 2011

Welcome to the forum!

All you need to do is smash some crickets or flies up, and hand feed it. Most likly if it cant hang upside down? It's chances of fixing it self in the next molt are slim at best. Good luck!

PhilinYuma · Feb 28, 2011

Yeah. as Paul says, you can keep him alive (maybe, if he doesn't have internal injuries) until the next molt, but he will never be able to hold himself (or herself) in position for a successful molt. I doubt that he is suffering in the sense that we do, but you should probably consider putting him in the freezer now rather than linger on until his next disastrous attempt at molting

Don't let all that new knowledge go to waste, though. Every year we get a few "Christmas tree" members whose interest doesn't survive the death of their last nymph. I suggest that you get all of the equipment you need, lots of 32oz deli cups or a 12" net cube (or both), teach yourself how to raise fruit flies (don't wait until after your ooth has hatched), read Peter's mantis care sheet, and buy a couple of new Chinese mantis ooths. Perhaps someone here will make you an offer, otherwise you might try Ebay.

At any rate, welcome, good luck, and let us know how you make out.