climbing problems

[DefyTheNorms]

I got my budwing mantis nymph on Friday, and he had no issue whatsoever climbing up the side of the deli cup. Even last night he was stuck to the side most of the evening. Now today I noticed when he steps off the branch to climb to the side of the container, he falls to the bottom. and when He's at the bottom and tries to climb up, he just slips. What could have happened? He's super tiny, but all of his limbs are intact and from what I can tell seem fine.

 

[PrayingMantisPets]

Try hot gluing mesh to the side of the cup or scratch the sides of the container so he can grip onto something.

 

[DefyTheNorms]

@PrayingMantisPets Ok i'll try that. Just strange how he suddenly can't climb the plastic. Thanks for all your help.

 

[PrayingMantisPets]

What kind of lid do you have? Screen or cloth? Metal screen can damage a mantises foot. 

 

[DefyTheNorms]

What kind of lid do you have? Screen or cloth? Metal screen can damage a mantises foot. 

It's a cloth lid. The only other thing he's ever climbed on is his branch and my hand/arm.

 

[Connor]

He could be getting ready for a molt. Or he’s eaten too much lol

 

[DefyTheNorms]

He could be getting ready for a molt. Or he’s eaten too much lol

Molting sounds more like it. He's barely eaten since I got him. Nothing at all today. He climbs on me, his branch, and the lid no problem tho. The only thing I did different today was offer him a tiny speck of honey on the end of a toothpick, which he just reached out and climbed on lol. 

 

[Connor]

Yeah it’s probably about to molt if it refuses to eat.

 

[DefyTheNorms]

Yeah it’s probably about to molt if it refuses to eat.

He molted through the night!

 

[Connor]

Congrats! I had a feeling that was gonna happen.

 

[DefyTheNorms]

Little budwing is getting along fine despite a wonky leg