Is there a certain way to place an ootheca?

[robelgado]

Hey guys.

I was wondering if there is a certain way to place the orchid mantis ootheca.

I hear the best way is to use a hot glue gun and attach it to the top of the enclosure.

Applying the glue to one side will not cause a problem when the nymphs exit? correct?

They can exit out of any side?

Please let me know. thanks

-Bobby

 

[pedro92]

Hey guys.I was wondering if there is a certain way to place the orchid mantis ootheca.

I hear the best way is to use a hot glue gun and attach it to the top of the enclosure.

Applying the glue to one side will not cause a problem when the nymphs exit? correct?

They can exit out of any side?

Please let me know. thanks

-Bobby

There is a certain way. My camera isnt working but there should be a flatter side the part that sticks to where it was laid that needs to be the side you glue to the top of the container. they hatch out from the other side.

 

[kamakiri]

I use twist-tie wire, stripped of the plastic pierced through the ootheca opposite the 'zipper'. bend wire to look like a staple or 'U' shape. Put ends throught top screen of enclosure or deli tub. Bend wires down like a closed staple to hang. I'll try to post pics if I remember when I get home.

 

[Rick]

Hot glue is the best and easiest way. It should be pretty obvious which side the nymphs emerge from. If not I guess I can post a pic. Put a small drop of glue and put it on the underside of the lid, carefully press the ooth to the glue. Done.

 

[robelgado]

Allright thanks guys

Im used to the chinese mantids.

Never have an ooth quite like this one.

Post pics just in case

 

[pedro92]

Allright thanks guysIm used to the chinese mantids.

Never have an ooth quite like this one.

Post pics just in case

Do you have the orchid ooth now? who did ya or are you gettin it from?

 

[robelgado]

Nope.

It should be here in 5 days

 

[Orin]

Just be careful not to cook the eggs with the hot glue.

 

[robelgado]

One drop of glue shouldnt cook the eggs?

Should I wait till the glue cools down a little bit?

 

[Katnapper]

One drop of glue shouldnt cook the eggs?Should I wait till the glue cools down a little bit?

What I do is put some hot glue on a toothpick or other stick, wait about 10-15 seconds for it to cool down a bit, then paint the surface of the lid or ooth with it... and stick the ooth on.

 

[robelgado]

That sounds like a great idea. thanks.

Can't wait for it to arrive

allready have family members trying to reserve their own orchid mantis.......

Lol!

 

[Rick]

I put a tiny drop and give it a couple seconds to cool. Never had a problem. You are not going to cook the eggs.

 

[robelgado]

I hear its fairly easy to identify the "zipper" (area where nymphs come out)

but anyone have a picture just in case

dont want to kill all my orchid nymphs

 

[Rick]

I hear its fairly easy to identify the "zipper" (area where nymphs come out)but anyone have a picture just in case

dont want to kill all my orchid nymphs

I really don't think you are going to have any trouble with that. You will be able to tell which side was attached to something. Attach that same side to your container. This side will most likely be flat.

 

[robelgado]

Allright thanks alot rick.

What about misting? how often should I mist my ootheca (indirectly of course) ?

 

[Rick]

Allright thanks alot rick.What about misting? how often should I mist my ootheca (indirectly of course) ?

Every other day or so. If you use moss or some substrate when it dries out then remoisten it.

 

[robelgado]

I heard misting once a day is good.

But if you are sure misting every other day for the orchid ooth is fine.

Ill do that.

-Bobby

 

[Rick]

I heard misting once a day is good.But if you are sure misting every other day for the orchid ooth is fine.

Ill do that.

-Bobby

If it is really dry then once a day might be needed. There is no set limit on this stuff. You have to find what will work in your particular situation.

 

[robelgado]

Well I live in Florida.

So it is usually extra humid.

it hasnt rained in a while which is odd.

But the humidity is high in Florida.

Will misting it once a day be bad?

Or it doesnt matter?