Deformations of Chinese

[LauraMG]

My poor little thing is miserable! She can barely hold herself up and crawling around doesn't suit her!

Hind leg deformation

One side looking at wings

Other side of wings (worse side)

I think she was asking for help

 

[lancaster1313]

That stinks . I am just waiting for something similar to happen to mine, my largest are L4 and from what I read on this forum, that stuff happens sometimes. I also saw the other topic where there was some talk of cutting her wings. Let me know how it goes, because as many as I have, I could use all the advice I can get.

 

[LauraMG]

Yea, it looks like I'm going to have to take off all her wings. They're a big hindrance to her movement of her deformed legs. If I've counted right (I may be off by one molt) I believe this is her 6th molt, first time she's had full blown wings. I'm so bummed, I could cry....seriously.

 

[lancaster1313]

She still looks pretty to me.

 

[Rick]

When was the molt? Based on her colors it seems it was very recent. You should never hold a mantis for at least a couple days after the molt. Once she is dry you can snip that wing off about a quarter inch from where it attaches to the body. I have a Stagmomantis right now that looks worse than that and she does just fine.

 

[LauraMG]

Her molt wasn't last night, but the night before. I hope I didn't handle her too soon