Mantis religosa nymphs

[randa4]

Got an ooth of this species, and it has been hatching slowly (over about a week). Had about 60 nymphs, and many have died so far. About 20 left. Have been keeping groups of them in 32oz vented containers (that I use for ff cultures), with netting to let them crawl up to the top, which they seem to like. Fed them lots of melanogaster, and they eat them quickly. Misted them yesterday. Have no experience with this species. Can someone give me some tips about culture, so that I don't kill the rest? Thank you.

 

[kingmantissupply09]

You must separate them into individual cups. The small cups must be ventilated with holes and the holes must be covered with a fabric called tulle which you can find at your local fabric or arts and crafts store. You must keep them at room temp. 75 Fahrenheit feed them each 2 melonogastors daily and mist them very lightly every other day. One more thing if you didn't put the ootheca in the fridge for 2 months before you incubated it for the for weeks prior to its hatching then it is very likely that all the nymphs will die within 1-2 weeks tops.

 

[randa4]

Thank you for the advice- it is appreciated. I just got the ootheca from a seller as a gift with an order, and do not know if it was cooled in a fridge before I received it.

 

[kingmantissupply09]

Your very welcome

 

[CosbyArt]

If you want any tips or "culture" about the hatching nymphs ask some questions - I have no idea what you need help with and could ramble on more than you would ever care to read. Or you can search on this forum, as nearly everything has been covered.

Regarding losses - Heavy losses are a expected thing, after all that is why so many hatch. Here is a quote from article I found (it is in the April 10 area)...

You should expect heavy losses at this stage, the reason that so many are produced from an egg case is that so many will die. Realistically you can expect a 15% - 25% survival rate.

As that has been my experience so far too with multiple ooths, and it seems you have 33% survival, so you are doing better than can be expected.

Then there are often some additional losses before they molt for the first time to L2 as well (much lower losses thankfully). At that point there should not be any more losses from any hatching, deformed/damaged nymphs, or such problems. Once they reach L2 I would consider them safe for sale, to name and keep yourself, or whatever you plan to do.

 

[randa4]

Thank you for the tips - have been reading a lot in the posts about culture, and did not (yet) know that hatchling mortality was this high. So, will keep up culture as I have been doing, expect some more loss and mismolts, and hopefully come up with a few to raise to adults. For me, it is learn as I go being this new to mantids. :turned:

 

[CosbyArt]

Thank you for the tips - have been reading a lot in the posts about culture, and did not (yet) know that hatchling mortality was this high. So, will keep up culture as I have been doing, expect some more loss and mismolts, and hopefully come up with a few to raise to adults. For me, it is learn as I go being this new to mantids. :turned:

Your welcome, and that is good. The more you read the better, of course experience is the real teacher though.

As I have been hatching my first ooths lately (7 have hatched to some degree so far) I have learned a lot and should have better results next time. Same applies to you as well, so just keep with it. I did make a post recently that has some general tips about ooth hatching, it may help some.

If you feel really stuck ask more questions. I also found having a book or two on mantises helps answer some questions, any book by Orin McMonigle (forum member Orin) is a treasure trove of information. It's also great to have a printed book in your hands, and when you need it.