First mantis molt- concerned

[eat.moss]

My mantis is molting today and I’m really worried. Last week it obtained a small puncture wound to the abdomen but it seemed to be okay, but now during the jolt there’s a large bubble of blood. Also, it doesn’t move for several minutes then suddenly flails its legs around for a few seconds. Is this behavior normal? Should I be concerned about the blood bubble? Thank you!

 

[agent A]

Jesus that doesn't look good. It looks like there's a bubble of hemolymph that's adhering it to the old exoskeleton. I don't think this is compatible with life, unless the legs are all free and in good shape and you can somehow dissolve that bubble away. DO NOT just try to yank the mantis free! At this size, you'll probably mortally wound it doing that
euthanasia may be the best option sadly

 

[eat.moss]

I just euthanized it about 20 minutes ago. The bubble started filling with dark liquid and more blood, I think the abdomen fully ruptured.

This was my first ever mantis and I’m so upset this happened. I didn’t realize plastic foliage was dangerous and it originally punctured it’s abdomen on a plastic leaf that it had been shipped to me with. Totally preventable.

 

[agent A]

umm plastic plants don't generally cause an issue, but it coulda been overfed or something

 

[eat.moss]

No it’s abdomen was punctured, I literally saw it happen! ik it’s unusual but afterwards I looked it up and read that u shouldn’t have plastic plants for them

 

[agent A]

No it’s abdomen was punctured, I literally saw it happen! ik it’s unusual but afterwards I looked it up and read that u shouldn’t have plastic plants for them

all of my mantises have plastic plants and I have had none of these issues

 

[eat.moss]

ok and I’m glad for you but it did happen to mine so! It was a sort of fern/pine looking thing and it got caught between the leaves and punctured.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Mine do well for 16 years and never seen a problem. Just unlucky I guess.