Kill but not Eat

[Willow Clemson]

Chinese Mantis L4 killing flies but not eating them and climbing around like hungry. Why?

 

[Synapze]

Chinese Mantis L4 killing flies but not eating them and climbing around like hungry. Why?

When was the last time it molted? What type of flies are you using as feeders?

 

[Willow Clemson]

Currently, a mix of D. Heydei and D. magnalous. He molted about a week and a half ago. I'm upgrading to getting dubia roaches this weekend.

 

[Synapze]

Yeah, you definitely need larger prey. At L4 they should be eating house flies, blue bottle flies, or small roaches. Hydei and melanogasters are too small for most L4.

 

[Willow Clemson]

Thank you, hence the upgrade. But that still doesn't explain why he won't eat?

 

[Willow Clemson]

Like, if he was hungry for something bigger, he would be eating them, but he's just killing them and leaving them on the floor.

 

[Synapze]

Like, if he was hungry for something bigger, he would be eating them, but he's just killing them and leaving them on the floor.

How is he killing them? Have you seen him capture one?

 

[Willow Clemson]

Yes. He'll get it in his raptorials, bites them exactly 3 times and drops them.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Most offten it i very thirsty, Really, try giving it bigger drinks.