Mantis Man13
Well-known member
I am getting a Brunners mantis and last time I had one she had a bad molt for adulthood and died. I used mesh for the top but she fell from it . Is it just a freak accident? what can I do to revent this again?
Want to prevent mantis bad molt
- Thread starter Mantis Man13
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What are you providing for molting hold?
crabbypatty
aka Mad Mantis
Perhaps you can glue numerous sticks for it to have plenty of molting places to choose from, also enough vertical space for it to molt properly. Make sure it has the proper humidity and temp as well.
Mantis Man13
Well-known member
my mantis fell down while holding into mesh. how could it fall when it was attached to mesh?
crabbypatty
aka Mad Mantis
@Mantis Man13 I'm not familiar with keeping this species, but I've read of idolos not being able to grip mesh. Since it's a stick mantis, I'm assuming it hangs out among sticks in trees or bushes in nature. I know that idolos NEED sticks to molt from, perhaps it's what this one needs too. Maybe @Kermit has more info, I see that he's currently selling nymphs 
Kermit
Well-known member
I use thin sticks spanning the top of a net cube. I agree with @crabbypatty humidity is just as important. I run a humidifier under my net cubes every or everyother day. I lost my first beautiful Brunner's on its adult molt years ago too and ever since I have been critically protective of managing humidity.
Mantis Man13
Well-known member
is just wetting the bottom of the cage so the paper towel is soaking wet good enough for humidity? my mantises molt fine when do that
Krissim Klaw
Well-known member
I found Brunners to be one of those few species that doesn't do well with net caging for molting. My first sub adult fell during molt. Thankfully I was there when it happened and was able to hold her and get her through the shedding. I would suggest as others have to use sticks. I also found the cheap hampers with course cotton stitching worked well as a substitute for the slicker net cages.
Kermit
Well-known member
Yes as long as it can evaporate before mold grows... Mold the other PM killer
I have also concluded to NEVER spay directly on the mantis! I know some reading this will disagree. I used to do it too! I found if the mantis is within a couple of days from molting and you spray the mantis it changes their skin and they get stuck in their skin and mismolt!
Spray the papertowl, preferably under a heat lamp. Make sure it will dry up within a few hours or half day. Or run a humidifier, but don't spray the bug!
Now you might say you've done it before and all was fine... I say you might just have got lucky. If the mantis is 3 days before or after a molt you might not have issues. I just eliminate the chance by following the"no direct spray" rule?
I know a lot of them like it though!?
I also agree with @krissim klaw about adding the hamper cotton fabric if you want the extra security... It works!?
I have also concluded to NEVER spay directly on the mantis! I know some reading this will disagree. I used to do it too! I found if the mantis is within a couple of days from molting and you spray the mantis it changes their skin and they get stuck in their skin and mismolt!
Spray the papertowl, preferably under a heat lamp. Make sure it will dry up within a few hours or half day. Or run a humidifier, but don't spray the bug!
Now you might say you've done it before and all was fine... I say you might just have got lucky. If the mantis is 3 days before or after a molt you might not have issues. I just eliminate the chance by following the"no direct spray" rule?
I know a lot of them like it though!?
I also agree with @krissim klaw about adding the hamper cotton fabric if you want the extra security... It works!?
