Mold

[Meddle]

...sorry if this has been answered elsewhere, I gave up even after using the Search feature...

Why is it bad for cultures to mold? Does it make the flies sick? The mantids?

I realize mold spores are difficult to "kill" and are easily transfered. That said, I'm wondering if flies taken from a moldy culture* could be transplanted into a fresh (commercial) culture successfully.

* there's a story behind this, it wasn't initially contaminated

I have photos if that's helpful

 

[Orin]

If you're talking about flies, mold kills the fruit fly larvae unless there are enough maggots to eat it.

Mantids need fresh air and if it's moldy in their cage there might not be enough air flow, but if you see a bit of mold it may be too late.