Molting 2

[Foxhill]

My Hieredula majuscula Giant Rainforest Mantis certainly looks  ready to shed but Im rather concerned. Yesterday I watched it pumping its abdomen after a feed and I thought wow its doing it now. I saw the side of the abdomen trying to open and I can see the new exoskeleton underneath building up to it. The next day it was the same, I know that the process only takes 5-20 minutes and the top half doesnt look ready yet. My worry is that it looks rather red and sore where it is splitting is this normal it must be quite uncomfortable to shed your skeleton???

 

[MantisGirl13]

Your mantis will molt when she is ready. She knows what she is doing, and it shouldn't hurt her. If she just ate yesterday, she is probably not quite ready to molt yet. Keep us updated!

- MantisGirl13

 

[minomantis]

I don't know how big your majuscula is, but don't forget the other signs of molting.  Swollen wing buds, won't eat and will do a "leave me alone" strike at prey, swaying back and forth in one position.  There are also, different types of pumping of the abdomen I've realized.  Your mantis will probably molt soon, but if it's still eating, might be a couple days.  She will get there.  Just make sure the conditions are right so that when the time comes, she will be ok.   Good luck!

 

[Mantis Lady]

you can see when it is ready then they start molting. They hang a bit differently than normally and then begins to move if they want to get out of tight clothing. I watched it when my mantis started his molt last week. What instar is your mantis? Can you show us a pic of your mantis?

 

[Foxhill]

Thanks people for the great advice !!   this really is an informative and highly useful site for me. Ill try and upload some pictures next time Ive no net at home so I come here to the library to look online.. Cheers ! Much love and Peace out x