Chinese and min outdoor temps

[GreenBean]

What is the lowest outdoor temp a Chinese mantis can tolerate, nymphs in particular? I just had some hatch MUCH earlier than I had anticipated and our temperatures are dropping outside to close to freezing again! Could they at least survive one night of close to freezing temps?

thanks,

GB

 

[Rick]

It is way too early to release from what you describe.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Adults can handle cold nights, babies cannot.

 

[GreenBean]

It is way too early to release from what you describe.

Yes, I would not have done it, but here's the story:

I was in Vancouver, BC, and bought a Chinese ooth at a bug museum. Brought it home in a paper bag. The following day I looked in the bag with the intention of putting them in a "better" place until hatching time. I looked in and saw this black mass at the bottom of the bag...hundreds of beautiful, live nymphs. What the **** was I to do??? I tried supporting them for a few days on fruit flies and pinheads and water mist, but with that many, I had to release most of them obviously. I'm not set up yet for the spring (June here) onslaught of babes!

GB

 

[Ntsees]

You can release them if they are found in your area. But chances are, if it's still cold, they might not make it (temperature and food-wise). What I would do in your situation is leave them together and let them cannibalized until you have a good amount you want to keep. It is not the most decent idea for most people but I think it might help with the food problem.

 

[dgerndt]

Lots of Chinese die in the first instar, anyway.

 

[GreenBean]

[quote name='Deby' timestamp='1301936619'

Lots of Chinese die in the first instar,

(response below. Can't seem to delete a post yet...)

 

[GreenBean]

Lots of Chinese die in the first instar, anyway.

Is that right? More so than other species? This is my first experience with the Chinese. I managed to hold onto a few indoors. A spirited bunch, they are! Thriving well and Lightening fast. Hard to get the lid on before they're on the container rim again. I don't remember the m. religiosa being quite so jumpy as nymphs. These guys have a lot of personality.

 

[dgerndt]

Yes, Chinese have a reputation for a lot dying off in the first instar for no apparent reason. But you're right, they do love to hop around and they are ridiculously fast! I was trying to hold one of my Chinese nymphs last night and the little guy wouldn't stop jumping off my hand! Good thing I was sitting on my carpeted floor, so he didn't fall far.