She molted

[Mvalenz]

I woke up this morning and saw my little budwing on the bottom of her enclosure. I thought she had died in the night. But then I saw her at the top of her enclosue and realized that she had molted. HURRAY!!! She is an L-4 now. I know this is a vulnerable time for mantids. I wanted to know how long I should wait before handleing her? I want to make sure she molted alright and no disfigurments.

 

[agent A]

I'd wait a day or at least overnight

 

[Mvalenz]

I noticed that it molted at about 3:00am, so It must of happened before then. It is now 11:00am. I'll wait till tonight.

 

[Psychobunny]

They normally molt at night.

I guess this would be the best time if they were in the wild, since they would have

fewer predators to contend with.

I have also noticed the ooth's usually hatch really early in the morning (at least mine do!!).

 

[gripen]

They normally molt at night.

I guess this would be the best time if they were in the wild, since they would have

fewer predators to contend with.

I have also noticed the ooth's usually hatch really early in the morning (at least mine do!!).

i can confirm both things you said. give her a few more hours than take her out.

 

[Mvalenz]

They normally molt at night.

I guess this would be the best time if they were in the wild, since they would have

fewer predators to contend with.

I have also noticed the ooth's usually hatch really early in the morning (at least mine do!!).

I think insects are most active in the morning. This would ensure a meal for them right away and a less chance that they will eat eachother instead. I could be wrong though.

I also read some other post and learned that mantids molt upside down from the top of the chage. Is it unusual for a mantid to molt right side up from the bottom floor? I found its shed exoskeleton on the bottom standing right side up.

 

[rs4guy]

Floor molts are rare, but it does happen. Usually because molting room elsewhere isn't existant.

 

[Mvalenz]

Did some research on how long before i handle her after molt. Some people say 2-3 days. Others say 12-24 hours. She is moving around and ate a FF already. Can anyone clarify?

 

[Mvalenz]

My little budwing molted again. Two week to the day. Now she is an L-5. She ate a cricket last night also, which is unusual i hear. I noticed that she was eating very slowly. I also notice that the segments on her abdomen become more visible right before she molts. I get so happy when she molts because it makes me feel like she is healthy and I am being a good papa.