Idolomantis bone dry molt

[Jaywo]

After reading the threads on the environments of Idolomantis, I kept the enclosure bone dry for my mantids next molt. So far, they seem fine. Prior to that, I have them t 70-80% humidity and two of three molted fine as well. I'll see how the next mantis molt goes but I think I'll keep them bone dry until subadult. I read that I should increase humidity at that point. Here is a pic.

It is still a open topic as there is no agreement on humidity. It may not be as important. I am following the weather in Tanzania and they have wet and dry seasons there so it makes sense that humidity is requires at different times of the year.

I'm still waiting on my mismolted third Idolo to make it to the next stage.

 

[Synapze]

How do you maintain the recommended 100° temperature range? 

 

[PowerHobo]

How do you maintain the recommended 100° temperature range? 

I'd like to know this as well. My thought was to keep a heating pad underneath and a heating pad on top connected to a thermostat probe near the top of the enclosure, but I fear the heat at the top will still get dangerous when the lamp is on, or that the probe itself will absorb too much heat and falsely turn off despite the ambient air temp being too low.

The info on humidity is very interesting, and I seem to be seeing similar info elsewhere lately.

 

[Jaywo]

How do you maintain the recommended 100° temperature range? 

I have a heat lamp that is set off on a timer. At night they turn off and them tp drops to about 68-71 F but they seem to be doing ok. I may try to put a heat pad under them or on the side as winter approaches. The temp varies from 88-93F. It's only at 100 when it's summer here.

 

[Jaywo]

I'd like to know this as well. My thought was to keep a heating pad underneath and a heating pad on top connected to a thermostat probe near the top of the enclosure, but I fear the heat at the top will still get dangerous when the lamp is on, or that the probe itself will absorb too much heat and falsely turn off despite the ambient air temp being too low.

The info on humidity is very interesting, and I seem to be seeing similar info elsewhere lately.

I read a lot on the high temperature. I live in CA and it's usually around 73F around here. Having a small heat lamp with a small flood light on the top about 7" away seems to be doing the trick. Initially I had a large heat lamp with a large flood light but the temps but after measuring the temps went up to 110F and I was afraid they would over heat hence the change.

My Gongylus are right underneath the Idolos so there is also a larger heat lamp 2" below a board the Idolos are sitting on. This seems to help maintain a more consistent temperature.

Hope this helps. This is the first time raising this species so I'm new to it. I plan to slowly bring up the humidity after L5-L6 and see what happens. FIngers crossed.