Made it to l3!

[Mantidkid]

Hi my mantis molted into l3 in the night! This is my first mantis so glad it went smoothly. Here are some pictures. And one question, should I get him out to hold or should I leave him for a bit?

 

[crabbypatty]

@Mantidkid Leave the mantis to dry for at least 24 hours before handling it. They need time to harden their soft exoskeleton. 

 

[Mantidkid]

@Mantidkid Leave the mantis to dry for at least 24 hours before handling it. They need time to harden their soft exoskeleton. 

Ok thanks it molted 4 days before expected. Is that bad?

 

[crabbypatty]

Nope, they molt when they're ready ?

 

[Mantidkid]

Nope, they molt when they're ready ?

Ok thankyou.

 

[Mantidkid]

Ok thankyou.

Also is it ok if I mist it while he is In there and his Exo skeleton is hardening? Because the humidity in my house is really low and my enclosure is completely dry so I'm a bit worried.

 

[Mantidkid]

Nope, they molt when they're ready ?

Also is it ok if I mist it while he is In there and his Exo skeleton is hardening? Because the humidity in my house is really low and my enclosure is completely dry so I'm a bit worried.

 

[crabbypatty]

No, it needs to harden fully before misting.

 

[Mantidkid]

No, it needs to harden fully before misting.

Would it be hardened by now? It has been over 24 hours after molting

 

[Mantidkid]

No, it needs to harden fully before misting.

It mo,ted the night before las and I just fed it a fruit fly. Was that a good idea?

 

[MantisRCool]

If its 24 hours after molting, u can feed and mist it

 

[Mantidkid]

If its 24 hours after molting, u can feed and mist it

Ok I'm currently holding it and it seems fine here are some pic does it seem ok? Is it hardened?

 

[MantisRCool]

Yep looks fine to me  generally give it 24 hours after molt and when its molt to sub adult or adult give it 2 days before handling. Is it a Rhombodera?

 

[Zeppy44]

I found as the mantis got closer to adult, the molts and recovery took longer to complete.  They will eat when ready after molt. Could be a day or much longer. First male ghost to adult would drink after 2 days. Was over a week before he took food. And yes that did worry me at the time. Now I know it is somewhat normal for male ghost.

 

[Mantidkid]

Yep looks fine to me  generally give it 24 hours after molt and when its molt to sub adult or adult give it 2 days before handling. Is it a Rhombodera?

Yes. Rhombodera Basalis. Also the morning after it molted I moved the enclosure because I didn't realise it had molted because it had shown no signs. Had been eating well and exactly the same as how he was a week or two back. So I'm hoping I didn't damage him when I moved the enclosure. Do you think I would've?

 

[Mantidkid]

I found as the mantis got closer to adult, the molts and recovery took longer to complete.  They will eat when ready after molt. Could be a day or much longer. First male ghost to adult would drink after 2 days. Was over a week before he took food. And yes that did worry me at the time. Now I know it is somewhat normal for male ghost.

I found as the mantis got closer to adult, the molts and recovery took longer to complete.  They will eat when ready after molt. Could be a day or much longer. First male ghost to adult would drink after 2 days. Was over a week before he took food. And yes that did worry me at the time. Now I know it is somewhat normal for male ghost.

Ok when it's adult should I put food in and see if it takes it or should I wait for a week?

 

[MantisRCool]

With rhombodera they are very good eaters unlike ghosts so I think like 2 days after adult is fine. 

 

[Mantidkid]

With rhombodera they are very good eaters unlike ghosts so I think like 2 days after adult is fine. 

Ok is it bad I moved its enclosure the morning after its molt?

 

[Zeppy44]

Moving the habitat is fine as long as not into direct sunlight.     Don't ask how I know.   Offer the food. If not eaten no problem. My point really was do not get upset if the mantis does not eat for a while after molting.