Lethargic...

[The_Asa]

My Shield mantis has become somehow disabled overnight. It cannot support itself at all, but can still hang from the top of the lid by its legs. It is fat, even though I haven't fed it in a number of days, and I removed a small black "crust" from its back. The crust isn't really a crust though, it just brushed right off :huh: Still alive, able to wave around its raptorial arms and move antenna. I sprayed it with some water, hoping that might help. Has anyone experienced this specific affliction? Nothing is visibly clogged on the mantis and its eyes are clear.

 

[Rick]

Not going to get an answer. All I can say is similar things happen to all of us sooner or later.

 

[The_Asa]

Just trying! :lol:

 

[hibiscusmile]

Mine usually die when they act like that, sorry.

 

[ismart]

Is it an adult? Could be old age.

 

[The_Asa]

Man, I'm so stupid I was so caught up thinking about the black stuff on its back that I didn't notice that it was using all the warning signs of molting...molted last night. Thanks for the input anyway guys

 

[ismart]

Glad it turned out okay!

 

[mrblue]

easy enough to come in and say this with hindsight but... when i read your post the first thing that came to mind was a moult! it was mainly the "hasnt been fed for a while yet is still fat" that suggested to me an imminent moult. anyway, bit late now!

 

[hibiscusmile]

Yea, thats what I thought too, just didn't want to get his hopes up.... NOT!

 

[sk8erkho]

Yeah, me too!!! I have seen that as well especially with my wide arms and giant asians!!!!