Eating again after a molt? (orchid mantis)

[Andredesz]

Hey Everyone,

My oldest female orchid mantis finally molted into adulthood. It's been four days and she hasn't eaten yet. Can anyone let me know if they have experienced this long a delay in eating after a molt? I've had different types of mantises, and I've noticed they usually eat a couple days after a molt. I have been misting her area, so she's drinking, just not eating yet.

Also, how long should I wait before I attempt to mate her?

Thanks so much!

Carol A

 

[Katnapper]

I wouldn't worry too much about her not eating yet... she's likely to get her appetite back at any time now. I would wait at least a couple of weeks, maybe three, before attempting to mate her. She's beautiful, btw!!! Best of luck with the mating!

 

[Andredesz]

I wouldn't worry too much about her not eating yet... she's likely to get her appetite back at any time now. I would wait at least a couple of weeks, maybe three, before attempting to mate her. She's beautiful, btw!!! Best of luck with the mating!

Thanks Becky, you are always so encouraging!



Carol

 

[Katnapper]

You're welcome!

 

[OGIGA]

I remember when mine took like almost a week to start eating again. I think the final molt is just stressful.

 

[revmdn]

You could always try a little honey.

 

[Rick]

She is a beauty. Normal for them not to eat. Give her some more time.

 

[ismart]

Very nice! She should be good to go in a couple of weeks or so. I still have those males if you end up needing them .

 

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[SIZE=14pt]She is looking good I hope my female molts soon.[/SIZE]

 

[Andredesz]

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to thank you all for your responses and say that Mei is eating quite heartily now. And it did take exactly a week. I hand-fed her a couple flies in the meantime, but as for catching her own food, it was about 7 days before I witnessed it. I agree that the last molt is the most traumatic.

-Carol

 

[hibiscusmile]

They do take awhile, I just got mine to take a moth apiece. U need to wait 5 to 6 weeks before mating them.

 

[agent A]

I always have this happen when they become adults. Perfectly natural, extremely frustrating!!!

 

[Katnapper]

They do take awhile, I just got mine to take a moth apiece. U need to wait 5 to 6 weeks before mating them.

Ahhh... thanks for the advice on waiting 5 to 6 weeks to mate them, Rebecca. I'll try to remember that for future use (when and if I ever get some that I don't accidentally kill before they've even had a chance to reach adult!)