Egyptian mantis not eating

[dgerndt]

I'm starting to get really worried. I got her on November 8th, and she ate two small crickets in a row, but nothing since then. Her enclosure isn't too big, and she has plenty to eat. I caught a moth for her, but she doesn't seem interested. I've even been trying to hand feed her, but she just climbs on the cricket and my hand. She's drinking regularly and she isn't acting unusual. She's very plump, so I'm pretty sure she's getting ready to lay her first ootheca. Here are some pictures of her. Does she look healthy to you? What can I do to try and get her to eat?

 

[angelofdeathzz]

before laying a ooth they will stop eating for a few days or so.

 

[dgerndt]

before laying a ooth they will stop eating for a few days or so.

But nine days is more than just a few. :/

 

[LauraMG]

More likely than not she's getting ready to lay. She's nice and fat, so that would be my guess

 

[dgerndt]

More likely than not she's getting ready to lay. She's nice and fat, so that would be my guess

All right. I'll just keep an eye on her. I hope she eats soon, though.

 

[LauraMG]

All right. I'll just keep an eye on her. I hope she eats soon, though.

I wouldn't worry because she is so fat. Besides being ready to lay, there is the possibility of an evolutionary reason. If she's stuffed, she may not be hungry. If it's a species that's used to feast and famine, maybe all this feasting and fattening up has left her with no appetite. If her belly looks super flat and deflated, that's when I would worry about her not eating being a problem. I think she'll be okay.