females never lay eggs

[agent A]

My female gambian mantis is pregnant, but hasn't layed eggs since April. Every September, I breed chinese mantids and they never lay. My female mantids never lay eggs for me. What should I do? When my creobroters mature I want to breed them, but I don't want to end up with pregnant females who don't lay eggs for me. How can I get my females to lay eggs? Please help!

 

[PhilinYuma]

My female gambian mantis is pregnant, but hasn't layed eggs since April. Every September, I breed chinese mantids and they never lay. My female mantids never lay eggs for me. What should I do? When my creobroters mature I want to breed them, but I don't want to end up with pregnant females who don't lay eggs for me. How can I get my females to lay eggs? Please help!

That's odd! I see that you list only one female gambian. Forgive me for asking, but was she mated to a male who is now dead?

As you know, mantids, like chickens, will/should lay whether they have been mated or not. How is the temperature where your mantids are? I usually keep mine at around 80F(~25C), but that is easier to do here than in Manhatten. How about food? Try doubling up on what you are currently feeding. Mantids will eat until they are sated. Yoou can pile in food for an adult without worrying about it being disturbed during a molt.

 

[Rick]

Never had that problem. They will lay eggs whether or not they have been bred.

 

[agent A]

Thanks. She's at room temp, but I bring her outside if it's warm. She is eating a butterfly now.