How long can mantids survive in transport?

[Mike]

I orderd about over 200 dollars worth of mantids from lars from germany. The mantids have been in transport for a while.. tomorrow is the 9th day... how long can they go without food ect...? He said it would only take 4-5 days but its been almost double that.. 0_o

 

[bassist]

A while.

But seriously too many variables.

 

[ABbuggin]

I bought some Schizocephala, bicornis from him not too long ago and they were in the mail for 8 days (they spent the weekend at the post office). Only one died, but he sent an extra, so I was still elated. B)

 

[Katnapper]

I've had them in the post for a whopping 18 days. Most died, but a couple lived.

I'd say up to 2 weeks, but the longer the transit time, the more risk of death.

 

[Rick]

There are also factors like temperature to consider.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Yea, it is amazing how long they live with nothing, but as all have said, depends on a lot of things.

 

[ismart]

I once had 2 adult wide-arm males live for three weeks in transite. I was so surprised they made it alive!

 

[Mike]

Today was the 9th day and everything came in well except the male desiccata.. hes very lethargic and is missing one of his walking claws or whatever.. Im trying to force feed him with some fruits/ripped apart crickets.. but hes not really eating ...

Any suggestions? his stumache doesnt look completely skinny, like he donesnt look liek hes starving.. maybe just stressed? he cant really walk and keeps falling..

 

[PhilinYuma]

Just let him be for a day or so to minimize the stress. He'll feed when he's ready. Make sure that he has water available, too. Don't start teaching him English for at least a week.

 

[ABbuggin]

Be sure to mist them all ASAP. When mantids are in the mail for long periods of time, they get very dehydrated.

 

[Katnapper]

Be sure to mist them all ASAP. When mantids are in the mail for long periods of time, they get very dehydrated.

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