George molted successfully!

Krissim Klaw · Jul 14, 2016

Congrats on the healthy shedding! =3

Sarah K said:
Yes, it's true. Depends on where you start counting the segments, and different sources start counting at different segments.

Where you start counting doesn't change how many segments the mantis actually has altogether. If you look at the source for the photo on keepinginsects.com the author does specify the correct number, 6 to 8 in their notes but mentions they choose not to label the first segments. I just wanted to make sure there isn't any confusion over how many segments these mantises do have because stating there are only 5 and 7 is going to be very confusing for someone just starting out who is trying to count all the segments.

Sarah K · Jul 14, 2016

Krissim Klaw said:
Congrats on the healthy shedding! =3

Where you start counting doesn't change how many segments the mantis actually has altogether. If you look at the source for the photo on keepinginsects.com the author does specify the correct number, 6 to 8 in their notes but mentions they choose not to label the first segments. I just wanted to make sure there isn't any confusion over how many segments these mantises do have because stating there are only 5 and 7 is going to be very confusing for someone just starting out who is trying to count all the segments.

You are right. I am sorry for not being more detailed about it.

Kara S · Jul 14, 2016

Two crickets later... and I think he got his eye on the stick I was trying to feed him honey with. I'm not freaking out just yet, but I am keeping a close eye on it (no pun intended). Update before I even hit submit: I misted and he is collecting the water mist from the leaves to clean his eye. So far so good. Smart George.