Deroplatys Dessicata Feeding Question

[Ellithain]

New to the hobby, so if this is silly question sorry! I had really easy time with my Hierodula sp Golden (Tsubasa) so I picked up 3 Deroplatys Dessicata nymphs just 3 days ago. I've noticed they are quite a bit more skittish of me which I figured was likely just a species difference but one thing has me a little concerned. When I feed Tsubasa she/he goes and will catch two flies at once and chow down she/he's very aggressive hunter and will go after the flies immediately. So when I got these Deroplatys Dessicata I was a little concerned because when I drop flies in their cages they more or less ignore them. I've seen some flies go right by them and the mantises just keep watching me. When I came back the next day to see if there were fewer flies it did seem like some were gone but still had 2-3 crawling around in each cup. So I guess long story short I'm wondering is this a skittish thing, are they more ambush hunters than actual leap after flies hunter like my golden, or should I be concerned about their health?  

Perhaps my Golden is just a little pig lol but I want to make sure I'm not doing something wrong. 

 

[Synapze]

Approximately how many flies are you putting in at once? Are the mantid's abdomens flat or plump? 

 

[Ellithain]

Approximately how many flies are you putting in at once? Are the mantid's abdomens flat or plump? 

About 6-7 and they seem plump to me. The little guys were said to be L2s by the breeder and I'm feeding hydei. 

 

[Synapze]

It definitely looks like it's been eating well. I wouldn't worry as long as some flies are still being eaten. 

My Heirodula is a pig too. ?

 

[River Dane]

Your mantis looks nice and plump. This species is very docile from my experience, and take their time catching all the prey. As long as the little guys aren’t about to molt, leaving the flies in there for them to finish later shouldn’t pose any danger.

If they start running away from the flies, they might be getting ready to molt, at which point it would probably be best to remove all prey insects. They molt about once every 2-3 weeks when well fed in their earlier instars.

Good luck with your new nymphs! This species is one of my personal favorites.

 

[Ellithain]

Your mantis looks nice and plump. This species is very docile from my experience, and take their time catching all the prey. As long as the little guys aren’t about to molt, leaving the flies in there for them to finish later shouldn’t pose any danger.

If they start running away from the flies, they might be getting ready to molt, at which point it would probably be best to remove all prey insects. They molt about once every 2-3 weeks when well fed in their earlier instars.

Good luck with your new nymphs! This species is one of my personal favorites.

I'll keep that in mind! Thanks!