Mantis wont eat

[lullaby10]

Hey all-my mantis hasn't eaten in about 5 days (She is L3-L4) and she keeps running away from her food. Is this normal?

 

[Rib]

How long since her last shed? She's probably going to shed very soon

 

[lullaby10]

I'm not sure, I got her last week. Now I'm getting nervous about her shedding. I don't want anything to happen to her.

 

[Rib]

You shouldnt worry so much, as long as she has something to hold onto at the top of the tank it'll be fine. Just mist her with water every evening and it should be fine. I've found that most of My Mantids have shed during the night so the evening seems the best time to do it. Good luck

 

[lullaby10]

Will screen door mesh work?

 

[Rib]

I shouldn't see why not

 

[lullaby10]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!! I'll let you know how it goes

 

[Samzo]

The food items could be too big also. It is most likely shedding soon though.

 

[Ian]

What I sometimes do, is pull a leg off a cric, or open a waxworm or something, and then put it up to their mouth. Nearll aways works, and they eventually grasp the food, and munch it!

Cheers,

Ian

 

[lullaby10]

Well, I came home today from lunch and she had moulted!!!!!! YEA!!!! How long until she hardens up again?

Thanks all for you help!!!

 

[Samzo]

1 Day

 

[FieroRumor]

That's great news! I'm glad it was just getting ready to molt.

Got any pics?

 

[Tapos]

i have lost several due to crickets attacking during molt. so i also hold the feeder with tongs, put it to the mouth of the non-eater and i usually have success.