Dying M. caffra?

[cdcrocks]

So I was feeding my mantises and when I got to my adult male M. caffra that I got 3 days ago. He was lying on his back, twitching his body, but mostly the raptorials.

Upon closer inspection, the last section of his abdomen is very dark. I noticed it was a tad dark before, but he was very active and eating well, so I didn't worry about it. Plus, it was under his long wings so I didn't see him from below like this. I'm pretty sure it's an infection there that's killing him. I think he's a goner, but I wanted to post on here before I put him in the freezer. Is there anything at all that I can do to help him? Or is freezing him the kindest thing I can do?

 

[furrymanmarbles]

If its a cut it might be an infection in which case you can put honey on it and feed him ALITTLE! Honey is a natural antibiotic.but if there's no cut its something else and I have no idea.

 

[furrymanmarbles]

And I forgot to mention but if you haven't already separate him from the other mantids.if its not an infection and contagious he could pass it on

 

[cdcrocks]

I don't see a cut, but there are natural openings there that something bad could have gotten in. I did separate him, though. I don't think honey would help, it might just make it harder for him to poop if he ever gets up again.

 

[Domanating]

He's gone alright. It appears to be old age, in my opinion. Males don't live very long

 

[Aryia]

Hmm is that the male that I sent? If I remember correctly he's about 2 weeks old so old age isn't the issue here.

Did you get a chance to get the female mated? If not I'll see what I can do about sending another male or at least getting you a fertile ooth. Though my males have been way more interested in running then mating >.<

 

[cdcrocks]

Thank you for the offer Aryia, but I couldn't ask you to do that. He didn't get a chance to mate, but if his abdomen was like it was I'm not sure he'd have been able to.

Rest in peace little guy.