Injured youngster

[Way.Of.The.Mantis]

Ive got a L2/3 nymph with one of its claw parts missing, the bit which shuts onto the serated forearm, so with only one 'killing arm' do I let it live or do I see how it does?

 

[Kevin]

If it is capable of catching prey you should probably let it live - and it will do fine. Usually it seems that deformities result in either little impact to the mantid's health or a severe decline (not much middle ground in my experience). So if it looks like it is declining then you can humanely euthanize it (e.g. put it in the freezer). If it makes it continue to eat and makes it though the next shed it should be fine.

 

[Rick]

It should be fine.

 

[Way.Of.The.Mantis]

Ok, excellent - will check that it east ok.

 

[OGIGA]

My mantises usually only use one arm for eating.

 

[Way.Of.The.Mantis]

Yes, but do they not usually attack with both simultaiously (?) ?

 

[OGIGA]

Yeah, but only one arm ends up getting something if the prey is small.