Can a mantid vomit?

[-MK-]

This sounds ridiculous, but I can't really think of another way to describe it. I found a little red splat on the side of the cup of one of my Chinese L3s, placed in such a way that it looked like it came from the mouth, not the other end. One of my girlfriend's Chinese L1s did the same thing tonight, but it's in a different enclosure miles away. Does anyone know what this stuff is? :blink: The mantis itself (mine anyway - I can't see hers) appears to be totally fine.

 

[Katnapper]

You got it, Mike... vomit. Fairly common, and they usually seem to get over it. So I wouldn't worry unduly.

 

[-MK-]

You got it, Mike... vomit. Fairly common, and they usually seem to get over it. So I wouldn't worry unduly.

Thanks for the quick response! So, do you know what causes it? They've both pigged out very recently on hydei flies.

 

[Rick]

Thanks for the quick response! So, do you know what causes it? They've both pigged out very recently on hydei flies.

Like most mantid ailments we don't know why.

 

[a1_collection]

Most seem to recover fairly quickly. I have had some that just spewed all over a container but is fine. I think it has something to do with too much fluid in their diet?

 

[agent A]

they can vomit

 

[-MK-]

Poor little fella hurled again today. There can't be much left in that little belly!

 

[Katnapper]

Poor little fella hurled again today. There can't be much left in that little belly!

Awwww... Poor baby!! Here....

 

[worldofmantis]

Awwww... Poor baby!! Here....

lmao

 

[-MK-]

Ok, I have to admit that the Pepto thing was funny. Kat, do you use Photoshop, because your graphical analysis of the Orchid's gender in another thread was superb.

And the little guy hasn't hurled again - yet. But since 4 out of my 9 L3s have molted to L4 today - one with bad results and the rest of them due to molt within the next few days - I'm still concerned. Maybe this one slims down for molting via bulimia? I don't know, but I hope that everything goes ok.

 

[Katnapper]

I hope all goes well for the rest of them too, Mike. I use PSP (Paint Shop Pro)... cheaper but similar to Photoshop. I started with PSP, and got so used to it... that even when I tried using Photoshop... couldn't make the switch.

Edit: PS... forgot to thank you for the compliment... Thanks!!

 

[agent A]

Awwww... Poor baby!! Here....

that is so funny! I don't think that it would be good for a mantis though.

 

[kamakiri]

Funny graphic, Kat! LOL

But seriously, I think water has been the best thing for me to try whenever I've seen mine barf. Some have recovered...and unfortunately sometimes they don't. Good luck to yours!

 

[Katnapper]

that is so funny! I don't think that it would be good for a mantis though.

Thanks, Alex. It was only meant to be a funny picture/joke. I definitely do not recommend giving Pepto Bismol to mantids, for the record.