Super Worm related deaths

[Synapze]

I recently purchased some Super Worms as a rare treat from an all BBF diet and used them as a snack for 2 of my adult specimens. Both specimens died within 48 hours of eating 1 worm each.

Both specimens were admittedly old with the oldest being 19 months. Both had been active and seemingly in good health... the timing just seems odd and I wondered if anyone else has ever experienced this before. The Super Worms looked fine, active, no bad odor, and were decapitated prior to feeding. 

The youngest specimen died first, then the oldest. I wasn't really attached to the young Rhombodera adult, but the Sphodromantis was my "friendliest", and one of my very first. 

Has anyone experienced this before? 

 

[hysteresis]

@Synapze

I feed superworms regularly to large specimens, and have for at least six months. No issues. My mated mega died "idiopathic", but I dont suspect food in the least. 

Of course, I vary their diet: dubia, superworm/mealworm, BBF, moths. Much more rarely now: crix. 

Sorry news, brother. 

 

[Synapze]

Of course, I vary their diet: dubia, superworm/mealworm, BBF, moths. Much more rarely now: crix. 

Sorry news, brother. 

Thanks  .

I've always had success with the all BBF diet... I think I'll just stick to it. I've fed them mealworms on a few occasions and rarely a few captured moths or roaches... I've never used crickets.

I'd love to try dubias or banana roaches, but it's easier to get anthrax into Florida than it is to get a roach.

 

[BlobfishBoy]

My boxer mantises have no issue eating bits of superworms. You possibly had a bad batch even if it didn’t seem like it.

 

[Krissim Klaw]

 banana roaches, but it's easier to get anthrax into Florida than it is to get a roach.

As long as you aren't talking one of the giant strains of banana roaches, they are one of the species you can keep in Florida.

 

[Synapze]

As long as you aren't talking one of the giant strains of banana roaches, they are one of the species you can keep in Florida.

Great to know, thanks. I'll take a look at some of the smaller roach species. I usually run into the "No roach sales to Florida" notice, so I finally stopped looking at any of the species. 

 

[Synapze]

Update: My Budwing also ate one of the superworms and seems fine. Probably just coincidence. 

 

[Synapze]

The L6 male Budwing died overnight. Found him in the same odd twisted position as the other two. 

Anyone have an L6 male.

 

[MantisGirl13]

Uh oh!

I'm sorry for your loss! I'll have budwings hatching soon if you need one, but they won't be L6 overnight!

- MantisGirl13

 

[hysteresis]

So there you go. Must be something in those superworms. What do you feed them?

Heavy losses. Sorry man. 

 

[Synapze]

What do you feed them?

Thanks. Primarily BBFs. I've only fed superworms once before. 

 

[hysteresis]

Thanks. Primarily BBFs. I've only fed superworms once before. 

I meant your superworms?

 

[Synapze]

I meant your superworms?

Oh. Nothing. I had just received the order. The container they came in was full of oatmeal. I tossed the whole batch after the second fatality. 

 

[The Mantis Menagerie]

I'd love to try dubias or banana roaches, but it's easier to get anthrax into Florida than it is to get a roach.

As I understand it, those same state-level regulations technically apply to exotic mantids, too. 

 

[Synapze]

As I understand it, those same state-level regulations technically apply to exotic mantids, too. 

True for the majority of us. My state is far less tolerant of roaches.