Mantis Pee?

[hierodula]

Hey everyone, I was just handling my subadult female venosa when she suddenly just shot out some clear liquid from her abdomen. It was a very small amount, only a few drops, but I've never seen anything like it in the 4ish years I've kept mantids. I was wondering if anyone every experienced something similar? The liquid had no smell, and it was clear. I just found it fascinating that new behaviors can be discovered even after years of observation.

 

[Krissim Klaw]

Yep, sometimes mantises will expel excess uric acid via liquid form. It is usually mostly transparent with a slight chalky white that becomes more visible when it dries. In my experience adult females are most prone to this. I don't consider it out of the norm or a health issue as long as it is only the occasional drops and the rest of their waste is otherwise normal. It can catch you by surprise though if you happen to be in the wrong place when it is shot out. :2guns:

 

[MantisRCool]

Yeah I got peed on from a mantis before lol

 

[hierodula]

Yeap she got me in the face with one of the drops hahah

 

[Sticky]

Yeap she got me in the face with one of the drops hahah

ME too! One male was properly polite and squirted it away from me.

 

[crabbypatty]

Lol, I've had this happen too ?

 

[Zeppy44]

Now this I find humorous. Never even thought about it before.