OGIGA
Dead Leaf Mantis
I don't think the humidity is too low. I keep the humidity really high, infact maybe too high. Anyway, here's how it ended up.
What in the world happened?!
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OGIGA
Dead Leaf Mantis
It wasn't molting like that. I just somehow got it like that so I can do something about it, and it turns out that it's great for taking pictures too.
Anyway, my apparatus is as follows. I keep them in a modified water bottle shaped like a cup with a mesh attached to the inside. Then, with the mantis in there, I turn the cup upsidedown onto a pan with a wet napkin and put it an inch above a coffee mug warmer. Within minutes, the cup fogs up because of the humidity.
Peekaboo
Well-known member
Your decription boggles my mind! :lol: Do you have a photo you can post of what it looks like?
It sounds like it is too moist for them, especially since there doesn't seem to be any ventilation from the description you gave. You might be steaming them to death. But that's just speculation without being able to see what the set up actually looks like.
It sounds like it is too moist for them, especially since there doesn't seem to be any ventilation from the description you gave. You might be steaming them to death. But that's just speculation without being able to see what the set up actually looks like.
robo mantis
Well-known member
lol no it is fine the air holes are big enough. Ok it is simple to cut the leg it takes a lot of courage but if i can do it anyone can. just get a scissors reach in and quickly cut at the knee join. the mantis will freak out for a few seconds then will be fine. can rick please give him more details.
OGIGA
Dead Leaf Mantis
That's incredibly funny! I never thought of it like that.
Anyway, it doesn't get higher than 100'F in there so it just feels tropical. They're native to here and it gets really dry in the summer so maybe tropical doesn't work best for them.
I'm going to wait a bit before cutting off its leg. I've seen legs straighten out before.
Peekaboo
Well-known member
Hmmm well I'm from the South Bay, which I'm guessing is similar in climate to you. My suggestion would be to ease up a bit on the humidity and heat. They'll be comfy in 80 degree weather. I've raised plenty of mantids with success at room temperature (70-80 degrees).
OGIGA
Dead Leaf Mantis
Oh awesome! Well, I'm in Davis being a terrible student for studying mantises too much and not for school. I'll agree that the bay is nice and humid. I don't have that much control over the temperature or humidity, but I don't think summer temperature should harm them. Maybe I can give them a bit less water. Makes me able to see them better.
Peekaboo
Well-known member
Ironically enough, the air is actually fairly dry in the Bay Area. Which makes humidity a challenge, since mantids need to be well ventilated too.
When it comes to humidity, I mist them well twice a day. I usually do it once in the mornings and again at night or evening. You want the water to be able to dry off between mistings -- helps prevent mold and fungus.
And about once a week, I like to remoisturize their substrate. I'll soak their moss, squeeze off the excess, and put it back inside their enclosure.
This method has worked well for me so far.
When it comes to humidity, I mist them well twice a day. I usually do it once in the mornings and again at night or evening. You want the water to be able to dry off between mistings -- helps prevent mold and fungus.
And about once a week, I like to remoisturize their substrate. I'll soak their moss, squeeze off the excess, and put it back inside their enclosure.
This method has worked well for me so far.
OGIGA
Dead Leaf Mantis
Good point. I didn't think of that.
xenuwantsyou
Well-known member
I only spray every two days for my H. Grandis and they do just fine. And I feel your pain. There was a stretch where about 1 in every two of my mantids wouldn't make it out of their skins. It's a terrible feeling. Actually, there's a small dent in the wall of the bug room right now. :evil:
I hope your mantid comes out alright.
On a side note, that first pic is one of the more disturbing things I ever seen.
I hope your mantid comes out alright.
On a side note, that first pic is one of the more disturbing things I ever seen.
