Method for removing bit of extra exoskeleton from molt

[izbiggs]

Only use this method if 100% absolutely necessary, such as when the mantis has dry skin stuck in vital places that would cause it to die and it can't seem to remove the skin itself. If this problem keeps recurring, it is a sign that your mantis habitat is much too dry.

I used this with my ghost mantis. Since she already molted and dried, the exoskeleton dried too. I got a q-tip, some tweezers, and a feeder. As soon as she snatched up the feeder, I gently dabbed the exoskeleton with the q-tip to moisten it. Then, after it was softened, I gently teased it off with the tweezers.

If you have this issue, make sure that your mantis has enough humidity!

 

[CosbyArt]

I know when I first started keeping mantises, I panicked the first time I had this issue.

It is a sign that the mantis is kept in a habitat that is much too dry, unless the nymph fell during the molt (which is other issues).

Repeated molting problems means you should do something to fix the problem, before a worse mismolt occurs. For Ghosts (Phyllocrania paradoxa) it is recommended for them to be kept in the 40-70% humidity range, I keep mine about 50% and haven't ever had a problem.

Great to see it worked with your nymph. Sometimes it does, but extreme care is advised as such actions can cause more harm than good. If left alone often the nymph will remove the stuck exuviae itself, or it will simply come off during the next molt.

I would only advise removing dried exuviae from a nymph if it is causing harm (making the raptorial forearm nonfunctional or such), or it is a "rolled" piece of exuviae close to the abdomen/thorax as that can cause a molting nymph to become trapped.

 

[izbiggs]

It is a sign that the mantis is kept in a habitat that is much too dry, unless the nymph fell during the molt (which is other issues).

Repeated molting problems means you should do something to fix the problem, before a worse mismolt occurs. For Ghosts (Phyllocrania paradoxa) it is recommended for them to be kept in the 40-70% humidity range, I keep mine about 50% and haven't ever had a problem.

Great to see it worked with your nymph. Sometimes it does, but extreme care is advised as such actions can cause more harm than good. If left alone often the nymph will remove the stuck exuviae itself, or it will simply come off during the next molt.

I would only advise removing dried exuviae from a nymph if it is causing harm (making the raptorial forearm nonfunctional or such), or it is a "rolled" piece of exuviae close to the abdomen/thorax as that can cause a molting nymph to become trapped.

Oh! I didn't realize that, sorry! I've been keeping my ghost at around that humidity, and she wasn't taking off that little piece of skin. I saw a few members suggest this in mismolts, so I decided to try it myself. I'm glad it didn't go wrong!  

Is there a way to delete posts? I don't want to encourage other members to do something that could be dangerous to their mantises.

 

[izbiggs]

I would only advise removing dried exuviae from a nymph if it is causing harm (making the raptorial forearm nonfunctional or such), or it is a "rolled" piece of exuviae close to the abdomen/thorax as that can cause a molting nymph to become trapped.

I just edited the topic with the information you gave me!

 

[CosbyArt]

Oh! I didn't realize that, sorry! I've been keeping my ghost at around that humidity, and she wasn't taking off that little piece of skin. I saw a few members suggest this in mismolts, so I decided to try it myself. I'm glad it didn't go wrong!  

Is there a way to delete posts? I don't want to encourage other members to do something that could be dangerous to their mantises.

Your fine, feel free to post anything mantid related, as that is how any of us learn (and can help our pets).

If she has been kept her at that humidity and she continues to have the problem, then it is likely from another cause (molting locations, her crown has a unique bend that makes it difficult, or a unknown factor). If your interested in finding out the problem perhaps some photos of her in her habitat, and of her crown may help shed some light on the problem.

Indeed some have removed stuck exuviae for various reasons, and is the typical method used. I was posting more as a warning for you to let you know the dangers, and that it is not a normal molting issue; although, even with the best care problems do occasionally happen.

Only moderators can delete posts, and we do so only if asked by the original post author (or if it violates the rules of the forum). You aren't encouraging others, but were letting them know of the option if needed, which I felt was a good idea no matter how it was delivered.

I just edited the topic with the information you gave me!

I saw the changes and it is up to you, as I felt it was fine as it was.

Sorry if my post came across as disheartening, rude, or otherwise. I just thought I should let you know it wasn't a typical problem, the dangers of doing it, and the likely cause and how to fix it. Late night posts on my way to bed can be rather strange compared to my normal demeanor even if not meant to be.