Help with Deroplatys Lobata

NYmantis · Sep 20, 2022

I’m hoping to understand more about my female Deroplatys Lobata. She is an instar 4 and is suddenly lethargic and not so sure footed. Seems sleepy often. I thought it might be molting time but she recently molted. Then she refused food for 10 days. Recently she has eaten. I’ve been spraying her so I don’t think it’s dehydration. I am including a video taken August 25. It was soon after she became lethargic. I thought she might be dying. She is still hanging in there though. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

hibiscusmile · Sep 21, 2022

Its not unusual for it to molt again soon. Just don't stress it out.

agent A · Sep 21, 2022

umm, that looks more like a Deroplatys truncata to me!
if she is getting enough water, she may not be warm enough. what is the temp at??

NYmantis · Sep 21, 2022

Hmm.. that’s interesting. I’m new to Deroplatys species so I just assumed it was what I bought. I keep it pretty warm during the day. Like low 80’s and probably upper 60’s to 70 at night.

agent A · Sep 22, 2022

if you're worried about her not eating, try moistening a q-tip, putting a bit of bee pollen on it, and holding it to her mouth. bee pollen is a phagostimulant

NYmantis · Sep 22, 2022

Woah. That’s helpful. I’ll check that out. DL is doing better for some reason. Still slow, but more lively. I cleaned her home and put the heat up a little too. Looked like a bit of mold on the cover. Hasn’t had a molt since 8/20. Hoping all is ok.

hibiscusmile · Sep 23, 2022

make sure you raise heat a litle at a time so you dont shock her.

NYmantis · Oct 5, 2022

Update. She is back to her normal self. I think maybe she was too cold. Unsure, but she is eating heartily. Still waiting for a molt. Last molt was 8/22.