IDOLO FINAL MOLT HELP!!

[Crazy4mantis]

my idolo looks like it will molt to adult tonight. however, I think the enclosure is too short for him to molt in, and I don't have any others. it is an exoterra nano (the smallest one). I'm afraid that his head will touch the floor during the molt. he only has 6 inches from floor to ceiling. what should I do?

 

[sally]

Do you have any other containers at all? Anything like even tupperware that you can quickly put shelf liner, and glue sticks to the top for gripping and something on the side to help with the flip? Go right now to Idolomantis consolidated and get some ideas fast... I hope your Idolo does ok!

 

[Digger]

CM, How about letting him climb onto any object high enough from the flooring surface? A lampshade, a hanging towel, a screen, etc?

 

[Crazy4mantis]

I checked on him and he is still moving around, so the molt is probably not tonight. weird, because he looks like he is about to molt: you can see the crumpled wings inside the wingbuds, his exosceleton is clear around the edge of his body, and he has an inflated abdomen. I'd better move him just to be sure. would a huge net cage with sticks on the top (I made it for when he's adult, but it holds no humidity) with a room humidifier be ok? afraid it would get too cold.

 

[gripen]

I checked on him and he is still moving around, so the molt is probably not tonight. weird, because he looks like he is about to molt: you can see the crumpled wings inside the wingbuds, his exosceleton is clear around the edge of his body, and he has an inflated abdomen. I'd better move him just to be sure. would a huge net cage with sticks on the top (I made it for when he's adult, but it holds no humidity) with a room humidifier be ok? afraid it would get too cold.

Move him into the shower on a twig. If you run a little water than he may be inclined to moult because of the extra humidity.

 

[guapoalto049]

I've had the most success with Idolos molting on a rough, easily gripped surface that is at a 45 degree angle.

 

[Crazy4mantis]

I've had the most success with Idolos molting on a rough, easily gripped surface that is at a 45 degree angle.

would an oak branch at an angle in a moist 5gal fish tank work?

 

[agent A]

would an oak branch at an angle in a moist 5gal fish tank work?

why don't u just hang a branch out in the open so he has enough room??

 

[Crazy4mantis]

he is still moving, and the humidity would be too low.

 

[fleurdejoo]

If I were you I would definitely move him out of that Nano now.

I don't see how he would have enough room in a nano.

If you're saying you have a humidifier you can leave him out in the room.

Is it not warm mist?

 

[Crazy4mantis]

no, cold mist only. It was originally to cool highland plants.

 

[Crazy4mantis]

still no molt. is something wrong? I'm giving high RH.

 

[fleurdejoo]

What's the temperature? Is he out of the Nano?

 

[Crazy4mantis]

It's pretty hot. he keeps moving so I can't move him out of the nano until he is completely ready to molt or I have to make him in a full idolo enclosure with roof twigs and stuff, since he will just go to the roof if I put him on a branch. I hope he doesn't molt suddenly so I can move him.

 

[Crazy4mantis]

He hasn't moved at all today. Maybe it's time.

I moved the moss to a corner of the nano so he has 8 in. now. still too short? It might be safer if he can push off the ground during the flip.

 

[ShieldMantid1997]

Put in shower room, make it nice and steamy, hang him on the something rough and let him do his job.

 

[Crazy4mantis]

ok, will do!

 

[Crazy4mantis]

would repti-vine looped around twice work? I have a huge piece of cork bark, but my orchid is quite happy on it and doesn't want to sacrifice it. :lol: ( I will use it if necessary.)

 

[Crazy4mantis]

I measured and 8 in. of room might still work...