Hello from Massachusetts!

[rferrera]

I've already posted in a couple threads here but I've neglected to introduce myself. Ive always loved mantids as a kid and managed to raise a few I found in the wild growing up. I recently took the plunge at a reptile expo in New Hampshire and bought an idolomantis (unknown instar... I'm guessing L2?). I quickly found myself in over my head with all their requirements and was lucky to stumble upon this forum. It's been a wealth of information so far! Here are a few pictures of my idolomantis, Iris

 

[Aristalochia]

Howdy, welcome aboard. Lovely little Idolomantis. They are quite interesting, I recently got a few of them, can't wait to see their colours as they grow up, mine are little dark black l-1. I'm not sure what yours are, but it's at least l-3 maybe l-4 I'd guess. You may want to add thin pencil thick branches on top or some use shelf liner, to help them get a good grip while molting, to avoid problems and falls. Best of luck with this guy!

 

[Ocelotbren]

Welcome to the forum, and good luck with your very cute little mantis!

 

[rferrera]

Thanks! I've read those work well for molting as well, I'm trying to figure out how I could attach them to the plastic lid since it's so small. I'm thinking about just stapling some medical gauze to the screen, as I've heard that works well too.

 

[Connor]

Welcome to the forum! Medical gauze isn't a bad idea now that I'm thinking about it. I have a little group of idolos I'm caring for so if you have any questions lmk. Have fun with the little guy!

 

[rferrera]

IRIS JUST MOLTED FOR THE FIRST TIME! I wasn't home while it happened but I am so relieved to see it was a success! Still swatting away any food that comes near but I'm hoping she'll get her hunger back soon   

 

[Connor]

Congrats on a successful molt! Especially with an idolo. It will take one or two days for her regain her appetite. Don't force feed her either as this can stretch her out too much. To many more successful molts!

 

[Ocelotbren]

Congrats, very exciting.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Welcome

 

[SMUG BUG]

hey did you happen to get a business card from the seller? i looked all over the Brockton reptile expo today for a mantis but had no luck

 

[PrayingMantisPets]

Welcome! I miss having idolos

 

[rferrera]

Net-bug.net, they don't list idolos on the site for some reason but I'm sure if you email them theyll still have some

 

[Rick]

Welcome. 

 

[Sarah K]

Welcome! Nice Idolo! Congrats on the first successful molt!

 

[rferrera]

Thank you! She actually just went through her second molt last night, she's getting so big!!! ?

 

[Connor]

Congrats on another successful molt. Just wait till they hit L5... crazy how big they get.

 

[rferrera]

Update: Iris is about a month into L5.a little longer than last molt took, which was exactly two weeks. She has developed these darker spots on her knees, arms, and extensions off of her back. Wondering if these are normal?

Also, just started feeding her dubia roaches. Not sure if the two are related, hopefully not as they're much quicker/easier to raise than BB flies...