Kinked abdomen

[Trollolloller]

I have Chinese mantis, who's been very healthy until maybe a couple or few days ago. He molted recently, also about 2 or 3 days ago. I just noticed last night, while he was hanging upside down, that his abdomen was kinked, or folded, at the base. When right side up, he looks healthy mostly, his abdomen looks like he's had enough to eat recently and he wont eat anymore, so that only assists in my assumption. But I also noticed recently his abdomen looks somewhat wrinkled, like an elderly person, giving me the impression he might not have eaten since before his last molt up to 5 or 6 days ago. I tried hand feeding him today and he refused to eat, even when I poked him lightly on the arms with the small cricket on the end of a sewing needle (not with the needle itself, of course). He's not even eating the hydei flies I fed him. I read around a bit and sounds like this isn't too uncommon for Chinese mantids, but what I'd like to know is if it's curable and how to do it.

 

[Digger]

Hi Troll,

I work/play a lot with Tenodera sinensis. Although this kink looks alarming - it is harmless and occurs with some frequency, especially in young males. I've yet to determine or find research results on the cause. They will outgrow this oddity by adulthood. Although it really appears it will cut off the transport of food - it does not.

Hope this helps!

 

[Trollolloller]

Awesome. Thanks for the info. But do you have any idea why he refuses to eat? That was the other issue my mantis was having.

 

[Digger]

Eating issues are complicated (and always worrisome - although they usually work themselves out). Your pix shows a pretty well-fed nymph. Is there poop on the cage floor? Are you watering him regularly? L4 and below will molt about every 10 to 12 days. As you know they will refuse food near a molt. I also use cut mealworms which then ooze yummy goo. Patiently ease the oozing end to the nymphs mouth and touch it with the goo. If he's at all hungry he'll begin lapping it us (and probably grab hold of the mealworm carcass). If he says NO! just leave him alone. He's not hungry.

 

[Trollolloller]

I'll definitely try this out. Thanks again.

 

[Trollolloller]

Wow, that literally worked instantly. Put the oozing part up to his mouth and he immediately started chowing down. About 30 seconds later he grabs onto it.

 

[sally]

I have a T sinensis with the exact same thing going on. I didn't release him with the others because of his floppy abdomen. He can eat bbflys without help. I am also waiting to see if a molt helps this condition. Good luck with your nymph

 

[Digger]

Super! Glad to read you got him to eat.

 

[ScienceGirl]

Glad your little guy is doing well, and that you're worries have been removed.

 

[sally]

How is your mantis doing? Mine is still eating, but no molt yet. The crease on my mantis looks bad... I don't know if mine will make it. I hope yours does.