How long does a molt take?

[Quake]

My kids are in 1st and 3rd instar, and about to molt. I was asking about how many hours it takes, because I want to film them one day when I am at school.

 

[kamakiri]

I'm thinking most will be under half an hour. I've never timed it, and they're usually 1/3rd to half out before I notice and scramble to get a camera. And then shoot the progress for the next 10-15 minutes. The molt to adult takes a while longer to get out and then maybe another half an hour to pump up the wings for a larger breed.

 

[The_Asa]

Usually not longer than 15 min. If it goes on longer then you may have a problem. It's kinda hard to catch them in the act.

 

[idolomantis]

the first moults takes 10 min or so. the last more.

 

[Rick]

Hours? They take mere minutes.

 

[collinchang635]

They take a pretty short time. Only caught my mantid molting once before.