mantis hasn't molted for over 4 weeks. I'm worried.

[mstng82]

Hello all!

My mantis Marty came to me via a poinsettia plant I was given four Xmas. He and his 200+ siblings really threw my husband and I for a loop. We managed to save four initially but marty is the last. Really hoping to turn him out into our organic garden this summer.

However, he was supposed to have his fifth molt 2 weeks ago. Marty has never been a mantis that stops eating prior to a molt. His other molts have been averaging 2 weeks apart. Any thoughts?

 

[Aryia]

The older they get, the longer they take to molt usually. Also temperature and the amount of food also play a role in how much time they take inbetween molts. What species is he and what temperature do you keep him at? What and how many times do you feed and mist? Generally, as long as he is active and eating he is fine.

 

[sinder151]

Hello all!

My mantis Marty came to me via a poinsettia plant I was given four Xmas. He and his 200+ siblings really threw my husband and I for a loop. We managed to save four initially but marty is the last. Really hoping to turn him out into our organic garden this summer.

However, he was supposed to have his fifth molt 2 weeks ago. Marty has never been a mantis that stops eating prior to a molt. His other molts have been averaging 2 weeks apart. Any thoughts?

Dont worry about it, i had to wait 2,5 months on my Paradox Ghost to molt from sub-adult to Adult.

 

[MantidBro]

some species take longer, ive been waiting two months for my blepharopsis mendica to molt into an adult lol

as long as your mantid is acting normally and seems healthy i wouldnt worry

 

[mstng82]

Thanks to all for the replys. Marty was "born" on January 10th. So, he is a bit over 3 months old. I can't tell what species he might be. He is brown with a pink/red underbody. Also, he has a black line at the back of his head making it look like eyes. He is about 2 inches long from head to butt. I don't know how to post a picture here or I would.

 

[mstng82]

Aryia: He is fed daily approx 5-8 fruit flies. He is kept in my small bathroom at night with a humidifier. I have the coco substrate at the bottom of his enclosure. I do mist the leaves of his plant and spread water on the mesh at the top. He moves around and has a plump backside. I find him a bit clumsy though. It's certainly been a learning experience.