How much should an average nymph eat

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dr walkrr

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So here is another newbie question, I apologize if it has been asked many times, but I DID try searching for it. How much should my nymphs be eating everyday. I have them on fruit flys right now and they have just molted (I think they might be L3?). Should I be giving them like 10 at a time? I have been feeding them around 3 at a time and it seems like there is usually one hanging around at the end of the day. I don't know if they would rather be surrounded by food or if scarcity makes them want to eat. I have also just moved them up into the bigger 32 ounce cups so I am worried about them finding the food. Thanks for the help.

 
I usually feed young nymphs every day -- it helps me keep an eye on them and makes sure that I mist them daily. If there are still flies alive or dead in the pot next time you go to feed, you are feeding too much. If all the flies are gone and they are holding up signs saying "Feed Me!", then you should probably feed a little more.

 
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Phil is right, but just make sure they have access to where the flies hang out, if on top and no way for mantis to get there, as some like the violin don't climb to good, then provide a stick or some excelsior so they can move around.
 
I feed every other day. I keep each nymphs abdomen plump but not too fat. If the abdomen gets thin I know I need to feed a little more. If it gets where it looks like it is going to burst I skip a feeding. Depending on the species, at L3 you may be able to step up to houseflies.

 
I've just received some baby spiny flowers and they each ate a BB their own size:

flowerbigmeal.jpg


They each now have very fat abdomens but I see them trying to get at the flies in the ghost mantids cages. I am afraid to let them have more than one self-sized meal a day ( I have smaller houseflies coming) but they are acting like they are starving but they can barely move! Is it safe to let them have another huge meal like this every other day?

I didn't think I'd want to hatch the flies separately but I really like being able to chill them and then tong feed my critters, it's so fun!

 
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That pic is great! Looks like they are dancing or something.

If they are very fat let them be. You may want to put something between the cages so they can't see the flies in the other cage.

 

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