Very interesting thought. I don't know the answer.
I know shrimp can have issues molting if they do not have enough calcium in the water and diet. The calcium is needed to generate the new exoskeleton. I would guess that a calcium deficiency would have similar results in mantises. Some websites promote silkworms as mantis feeders since they are a good source of calcium. Molting is critical to the regeneration process, so make sure the mantis has enough calcium.
Further, I would guess that a hungry mantis would not be able to grow back its limbs as well. Since the mantises use their body fluids to pump themselves up during a molt, I would imagine a lack of fluid would also prevent the mantis from regenerating as well as it could. I suspect that this was the problem with our peacock mantis. It was very difficult to get him to eat, so he was always on the thin side. After two molts he only regrew the leg maybe 50%.
I also suspect that instar is important. I would guess that younger mantises are more successful at regrowing limbs than later instars.
Those are my best guesses/advice, but unfortunately nothing scientific. I would be very interested to read if someone has some better data or experience on the issue.
