Mantis heart attack?

PIaf94 · Mar 23, 2014

Hello so Something strange happened with my Orchid just recently. I had recently just walked

Into my room and turned to look at her. As I did she jumped off the ledge she was hanging and started furiously jumping and bouncing everywhere. Looked like she was breakdancing for a second. I would've been scared if I didn't find it hilarious for a sec. But now I'm worried. I'd this normal? She's a sub-adult and had never done this. I've heard they are jumpy as nymphs but mellow out with age, but I'm not sure. Thanks.

Vlodek · Mar 23, 2014

All orchids are like that. My sub adult female often jumps like mad every time I try to pick her. Once she if left alone or eating she goes back to looking all pretty and innocent.

sinder151 · Mar 23, 2014

PIaf94 said:
Hello so Something strange happened with my Orchid just recently. I had recently just walked

Into my room and turned to look at her. As I did she jumped off the ledge she was hanging and started furiously jumping and bouncing everywhere. Looked like she was breakdancing for a second. I would've been scared if I didn't find it hilarious for a sec. But now I'm worried. I'd this normal? She's a sub-adult and had never done this. I've heard they are jumpy as nymphs but mellow out with age, but I'm not sure. Thanks.

have happens to my Hierodula Grandises, was gonna pick it up and it started to jump and act all crazy, so i left him alone for a few mins and then i could pick him up again like normal.

Rick · Mar 23, 2014

The behavior is likely an anti-predator response. If a predator attack is imminent it may pay to respond like that because it may startle the predator or make it harder to capture the mantis.