Ghost mantis with problems

[Eugen]

After the last molt, my ghost male can't seem to be able to use its forelegs.

He's a pre-adult now, so only one molt left till adulthood.

1. Why did this happen to him? Humidity is always close to 80%, I mist them often, temperature is around 28 Celsius.

2. Is there any chance he will have brand new forelegs after the final molt? I hand feed him now and he's doing ok but he can't grab the food unless I keep it close to his mouth.

 

[Rick]

Can't say I have ever had that happen. Doubt it is the humidity or anything like that. Sometimes these things just happen and sadly nobody knows why. Better luck next time.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Yea, u did all u could, but it can still live its life as long as u don't mind handfeeding it, I do it a lot.

 

[superfreak]

i had that happen to one of my nymphs. i made him a little eating platform with a couple of needles stuck into a cardboard base. i put the foood to his mouth and when hes started eating, stick it carefully onto the needles - means i dont have to hold it for half an hour! (he was mauled by one of his sisters and couldnt use his forelegs! )

 

[Katnapper]

Innovative idea, Superfreak!

 

[Eugen]

Thanks everyone for your answers...

Are there any chances for him to recover after the final molt? Could he have good forelegs after that?

 

[hibiscusmile]

Some people say they will, some don't, it's just a waiting game now.

 

[superfreak]

the joints in his forelegs will be functional when he moults again, from the sound of it. The problem will be with him getting his forelegs out of his old skin. Make sure the humidity is high. you could even go so far as to moisten the exoskeleton if you can see he's having problems.

 

[sk8erkho]

I have even had to do a similar thing as to what Superfreak suggested. I noticed one of my mantids arms were stuck together during the molt and upon closer look the head an one eye were stuck together in there as well. I took a fine mister (atomizer) a fine needle and my trusty magnifying glass and went to work on the old skin. It was really tough and go but eventually as I came closer to freeing it, it began to then help free itself . So together we free it! I would not suggest interrupting a molt unless like with that you can plainly see the mantid is going to be in serious trouble because sometimes it clears itself up!! But, it never hurts to be on standby if you are around when it happens!!!!!