kinked abdoman

[Schloaty]

Hi Guys,

I have one nymph (l5 or 6) which has developed a kink, or crease, of some sort in the abdoman. When it hangs upside down, the abdoman will fold along the crease (about midway down) and just hang there....when it walks on the ground, the abdoman sticks out normally, and you can't really tell there is a problem.

This mantis is still active and eating, so the condition doesn't seem to be bothering it too much...but I was wondering if it's something I have to worry about as the mantis matures.

 

[patrickfraser]

Is it a chinese mantis? I've had this with a few of mine and it never ends well. It sort of signals the beginning of the end. I don't know what it is or caused by, but it doesn't ever seem to spread to others. It might be a defect.

 

[Mr.Mantid]

I've had a few chinese mantises that had that problem too, but it didn't really affect their health. It looks painful, but I guess that is normal in that species.

 

[angelofdeathzz]

Yes, I also had this happen with Chinese, it's from them hanging upside down, if you flip them it will go away for a time but most will get it back shortly. in the end the ones that had this trait didn't live as long as the ones that didn't sag. But I did get some to adult never the less.

 

[Rick]

Common problem actually. Nobody probably can tell you what it happens but the animal seems to function more or less normally.

 

[Schloaty]

Thanks guys, for the replies. I'll keep an eye on it.

Mine is a chines, but a buddy has this problem with one adult female Popa spurca.

 

[kmsgameboy]

I havent ever ran into this problem with any of my mantids but Ive only been in the hobby for three years. It sounds kind of like a molting issue to me. The problem may be corrected after another molt. Like the other guys say I wouldnt worry about it if he/she is acting like nothing is wrong. Chances are there isnt anything you can do anyway.

 

[angelofdeathzz]

No it's not a molting issue, I think it's a weakness in a certain strain of Chinese. Too much soy sauce or something.