New T. sinensis nymphs

[AmandaLynn]

I have a couple questions about caring for newly hatched T. Sinensis nymphs. This is my first clutch of babies and I'm not exactly sure about how to care for them now that they've hatched. I'm keeping them in a gallon sized jar right now with a moderatly wet paper towel on the bottom for humidity, so I'm wondering how often I should mist them, everyday, twice a day? Also how much?

I'm also curious to know when they will molt for the first time. Is there a usual amount of days or weeks between moltings so I can know when to expect them to molt? Or signs to watch for that will indicate that they're getting ready to molt?

 

[Katnapper]

Hi Amanda. You should expect the first molt after about a week or so. Sucessive molts take a little longer to get to each time in between them, with the period before the last molt to adult taking the longest generally.

Here is a link to some helpful info for you:

http://mantidforum.net/forums/index.php?sh...hinese+sinensis

Do some scouting around with the "Search" feature when you have time. There are lots of previous threads and discussions on caring for T. sinensis (and mantis, in general) hatchlings. But don't be afraid to ask if you have questions to which you can't find the answers!

 

[Rick]

Do you have fruit fly colonies ready to go? Try searching on this topic as it has been discussed many times. Good luck.

 

[AmandaLynn]

Do you have fruit fly colonies ready to go? Try searching on this topic as it has been discussed many times. Good luck.

Yeah, I have a fruit fly culture. Thanks.

 

[Rick]

Yeah, I have a fruit fly culture. Thanks.

Should always have a few at least.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Yea those babies will be eating u out of cup and spoon in no time! I like to mist twice a day at least, they need water a lot while little

 

[Headspace]

Just expect most of them to die off. It's how Chinese are. I hatched three recently (ridiculous, but that's how many I had) and I'd estimate that I am down at least 75% after two weeks. It's normal.

 

[kamakiri]

I'd put it at about 7 to 12 days for the first molt for T. sinensis. Typical indications will be not taking more food, getting fat/swollen abdomen, hanging in the same place and taking a pre-molt 'pose'.