p. wahlbergi has died, and I'm concerned for my other mantis.

[snuhan]

Last night I went to check on my mantises, and found Sylvia on her back on the floor of her cup. I admit I panicked a bit, and went to delicately pick her up and hold her. There were some movements, including some pulsing in the abdomen later on? But she didn't make it. I looked at her favorite spot, the lid, and saw two tiny brownish splotches.

I checked another thread here and it was mentioned that the food can cause this in mantids, and now I'm a bit frightened- I purchased a large cup of hydei flies at the local reptile convention in September and have been feeding them to both my mantids (the other being an L3 ((I believe)) popa spurca).  Sylvia hadn't had more than one fly in the past few days, while the twig mantis ate an unprecedented many flies last week (I let him lose most of the weight, and he ended up molting yesterday). If the flies are what did my poor Sylvia in, I'd be horrified to feed any more to Oliver

I'm positively crushed. Sylvia was my first mantis, and even in death has such a striking look to her. I couldn't stand to bury such a lovely thing, so I plan to try and pin her. Though I'm heartbroken she never made it to adulthood, I'll do my best to ensure Oliver thrives. Should I chuck the flies and stick with melanogaster? Oliver's a bit big for them now and a voracious eater.  

 

[Connor]

Sorry for your loss... one of my spinys had this happen to him, he ended up living ha month after getting sick, but never recovered and died a month later after refusing to molt.The food could definitely be a problem but if your other mantis aren't throwing up like Sylvia I wouldn't worry. Spinys are known for getting sick. They need high humidity but are very sensitive when it comes to ventilation. The problem was most likely that he didn't have enough ventilation. I Hope everyone else is fine!

 

[snuhan]

Sorry for your loss... one of my spinys had this happen to him, he ended up living ha month after getting sick, but never recovered and died a month later after refusing to molt.The food could definitely be a problem but if your other mantis aren't throwing up like Sylvia I wouldn't worry. Spinys are known for getting sick. They need high humidity but are very sensitive when it comes to ventilation. The problem was most likely that he didn't have enough ventilation. I Hope everyone else is fine!

Thanks. Gosh, it makes me scared to ever try again... Maybe one day :/

Oliver is pretty active and seems completely fine. I really don't want to waste perfectly good flies, and if they're not bothering him I guess I'll keep them. 

I think you might be right. It probably didn't help she was already in a room with poor ventilation... I'll remember that next time. Thanks again TT

 

[Connor]

Yeah I wouldn't get rid of the flies. I would just give Oliver some more ventilation. What did you keep Sylvia in? And no problem!