Misshapen legs?

cdcrocks · Jun 15, 2014

I have a couple mantises that molted to L3 badly and thus have a leg that's sort of hook shaped. Do i just feed and care for them normally, or do I do something else? I think I read a post that said to amputate deformed legs, but I don't know about that and I wanted to ask to be sure that treating them normally is the right thing to do. Left hind is the bad leg in these photos.

Thank you!

Domanating · Jun 15, 2014

You do amputate legs if they are so messed up that it could compromise your mantis' movements. It doesn't seem necessary to yours. The leg's curved but still does its job.

I bet the foot can still hold on to things too.

Leave him be and treat him normally. He can probably fix his leg in the next molt.

cdcrocks · Jun 15, 2014

Good to hear. I've gotten them to eat so I only hope that they get a strong grip next time they molt. I hope that I never do have to amputate anything.

Digger · Jun 15, 2014

CD - I have an L2 Tenodera sinensis (which looks like the species you show here) that molted to L2 with this exact malady. Back leg. My difference is the leg is slightly hooked like yours and another 1/2 length longer ! I agree with Dom (I've raised barrels-full of Chinese). L3 is due in a day or two. If the deformity gets worse, I may decide to clip the leg for an easier next molt. But never any surgery unless you're convinced the problem is life-threatening.

Aryia · Jun 15, 2014

He'll be fine. The deformity usually happens when the mantis takes too long to get out of the molt and the exoskeleton already starts hardening while it's still in the molt, hence the curve. It'll fix itself with subsequent molts, and unless the leg is getting in the way (aka getting tangled with other legs and such), it's fine to just leave him be.