Creobroter pictipennis isn't eating!

[Mantiskid]

Hi!

I have 4 Flower Mantis Nymphs from Mantis Place, and all are doing pretty well, except for one.He seems to want to eat, but then misses the fruit fly when he strikes.Sometimes he catches it, but then immediately drops it.All my other Mantids eat pretty much every day, but this little guy hardly ever catches anything.Please Help, I don't want him to die.

Thanks,

Mantiskid

 

[Termite48]

This is what I suggest: No matter what size of nymph, take the appropriat size of feeder insect and freezer stun it. Then roll it in a little honey so that it cannot get away and place it on it toothpick. Feed this to you mantis carefully so he sees it and hold it so he does not drop it. He should get a little of the honey on his mouth and raptorials. Then this might get him excited enough to grasp the fly as is normal for feeding. If he still is not interested in cooperating with your effort, you might try another type of feeder like a cricket or a meal worm. In this case, cut off the head of either insect and place some of the gooey contents of the feeder on the toothpick and get this onto the Mantid's mouth. This should stimulate a good response. I raise Creo. pictipennis and have not seen this behavior before, but this should work for you.

Rich

 

[rs4guy]

Is he being properly hydrated?

 

[Mantiskid]

Thanks Rich!

I actually have tried this, but when I put the toothpick in front of the Mantis, he either doesn't pay attention to it or just runs away.

Any suggestions here?

 

[Mantiskid]

rs4guy:

I'm not sure...I've actually never noticed any of my Mantids drinking.How do you keep your Mantids hydrated?

 

[agent A]

be careful not to scare him with the toothpick

i usually gently lift it up to their mouths, be gentle though

how long has he not been eating? is he very thin?

 

[Mantiskid]

Agent A:

No, he's not that thin.He's just about normal size.He hasn't eaten for about 2 days now.

 

[lunarstorm]

2 days without eating is usually no problem, it probably means he's going to molt soon.

 

[Mantiskid]

Really?

 

[agent A]

2 days without eating is usually no problem, it probably means he's going to molt soon.

+1

that is the hunch i was working on

they dont need to eat everyday like mammals do

 

[lunarstorm]

Not eating for a day or two is common behavior prior to molting or for an adult female just before laying an ooth. If everything else looks fine as far as you can tell and a mantis does not shows other abnormal behaviors, such as an inability to stand or walk properly, then I wouldn't worry about it refusing to eat until it's been 5-7 days.

Since you asked about keeping mantids hydrated, they get quite a bit of their moisture from food but you should be gently misting their container with a spray bottle at least once a day. Humidity (moisture in the air) is very important for their overall health and if they're thirsty, they'll move to the water drops on the walls of their habitat and drink. I use distilled water as it won't leave streaks on the habitat walls, but room temperature or warmer tap water works fine too.

 

[Mantiskid]

I do mist the containers, but I have never seen the Mantids actually drinking.Also the Mantis that isn't eating does sometimes act like he can't walk, falling off of stuff and the like.

 

[agent A]

what kind of surfaces do they have?

is there mesh for him to grip well for molting? can he climb to the lid?

 

[Mantiskid]

Thanks for all the help, guys.The Mantis is eating well now and is acting quite normal.In response to your question , Agent A, no, I don't have mesh in the enclosure, but I used gauze for the lid.I do have some sticks in there, too.

 

[sporeworld]

I'd add that, prior ot molting (or if not hungry), they'll snap AT prey, with no intention of grasping it. Just to drive it away. They do the same to their siblings.

Also, looking at your clever "Mantid Wishlist", I'd say do Ghosts next. That'll be your foray into mantids requiring flying prey. And they're a great species to photograph!

 

[Psychobunny]

I'd add that, prior ot molting (or if not hungry), they'll snap AT prey, with no intention of grasping it. Just to drive it away. They do the same to their siblings.

Also, looking at your clever "Mantid Wishlist", I'd say do Ghosts next. That'll be your foray into mantids requiring flying prey. And they're a great species to photograph!

I was just about to post the same comment

They will flick stuff out of their way also if it annoys them.

Sometimes, when are not hungy, they will go through the exercise of snatching the

prey, then let it go.

I't like a reflex action.

But they will go for days before a molt.

Not to worry, creo's are one of the heartiest species of mantis.