Do Mantids Get More Clumsy as they get Older?

[sbugir]

Hey all,

My Chinese Mantis just molted last night, and i think she came out with a crippled leg... I think... its kind of curved at the end so im not sure. But i noticed as she climbs and if she falls, it takes her much more time to get off her back. I try to help her when shes stuck on her back too long but i dont want to stress her out. Ill be getting a pic soon to get a conformation of the crippled leg. But i am curious as to whether they become more clumsy as they get larger?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ntsees]

Hey all,My Chinese Mantis just molted last night, and i think she came out with a crippled leg... I think... its kind of curved at the end so im not sure. But i noticed as she climbs and if she falls, it takes her much more time to get off her back. I try to help her when shes stuck on her back too long but i dont want to stress her out. Ill be getting a pic soon to get a conformation of the crippled leg. But i am curious as to whether they become more clumsy as they get larger?

Thanks in advance.

The only times mines became clumsy was when they lost their legs. Other than that, they become slower as they get older (and what I mean by slower is that they are not as responsive and alert as they used to be even though they can still capture food).

 

[Rick]

Yes but older would mean near the end of their life. One that just molted shouldn't be acting that way. Take a look at what she has to hang from.

 

[sbugir]

Yes but older would mean near the end of their life. One that just molted shouldn't be acting that way. Take a look at what she has to hang from.

mesh

 

[ismart]

The mantis is clumsy because it just moulted. give it some time to regain some energy. Not to mention the crippled leg is probally not helping the situation. Maybe you should add some paper towel for it to climb on. That might be easier for it to cling to for now.

 

[-MK-]

The mantis is clumsy because it just moulted. give it some time to regain some energy. Not to mention the crippled leg is probally not helping the situation.

I agree. Also, remember that your mantis is dealing with a brand-new, bigger, heavier body while in a weakened state from the molt. Occasionally, one of my Chinese nymphs will end up with a messed up leg after a molt, but they learn to work around it and usually get a good leg in its place within a molt or two.