Swollen Wingbuds/Not Molting

sinensispsyched · May 17, 2012

My subadult budwing mantis finally has swollen wingbuds, but he won't molt.

He's in a 12 inch by 5 inch net cage, due to the available footholds and space. I have tried feeding him, he refuses. I have misted him and he has been drinking.

Is something wrong, and can I help him?

agent A · May 17, 2012

how long have wingbuds been swollen? what temp is he at? is he hydrated? they turn color just before molting

maybon · May 17, 2012

agent A said:
how long have wingbuds been swollen? what temp is he at? is he hydrated? they turn color just before molting

+1 I wouldn't be too alarmed unless he doesn't eat for a week or more and still does molt or drink water. Just give him time (I had one of mine molt to adult the other day and he didn't eat for about 5 days. The wing buds became very swollen and stuck outwards and started changing colour (almost looked like crumpled paper in there the day before). I actually watch him jolting around as he started molting and watched the whole thing from start to finish.

It looks like his female is going to molt today or tomorrow as well! Woo Hoo!

CoolMantid · May 17, 2012

My H. majusucla molted to adult after not eating for about 8 days I think

whatislove · May 17, 2012

Yeah I find that every mantis is different (and not every species I mean every individual mantis), I've had double shield L1's and L2's moult on the same day they ate while others fast for 2-3 days, one of my budwings always takes 4 days off eating while others only take 2 and pronyma moulted the day after she last ate.

My male idolo likes to troll me and fasts for 4 days then eats and then moults 2 days later.

I think it just comes down to when they are ready to do it, I'm sure he'll moult soon!