Most likely bad molt...

[nursemelody]

So of the two European Mantids I have from the ooth..one of them just molted, and I expect the worst. I have been misting twice daily, so I dont think it was a humidity issue... This morning I came to check on them and one of them was at the bottom of the cup with almost all of the molt off. It looks like his front legs are caught in it though.. I know they say that if they are the ground while molting they will probably die, but I gently lifted her/him up and hung her/him from the excelsior... I imagine probably won't make it... Is there anything I can do? My other healthier, larger one will probably molt soon too I imagine, should I add more excelsior to lessen the chances of hitting the ground?

 

[LauraMG]

They need space under them to molt properly, at least 3 times their body length in height. Some just mismolt and don't make it as a part of nature. I had one nymph last week that happened to that didn't make it. If they fall at all during a molt it will have a bad effect on them whether they hit the bottom of their enclosure or not. Not always fatal though. I hope your next one doesn't have a problem!

 

[hibiscusmile]

Really nothing u can do, but u could try some rough twigs, it may be able to hold on better.