What is molting?

TranCE_Productions_Inc · Jul 12, 2007

Can someone tell me what molting is?

Asa · Jul 12, 2007

Mantids shed their skin to get bigger. This is called molting. Mantids go through 7-8 moults. If it has completed one moult, it is called an 'L2'. If it has completed three then it is called an L4. You get the hang of it. When mantids moult, special conditions apply. You can find more with the search feature.

TranCE_Productions_Inc · Jul 12, 2007

when molting does it lay there like it's weak or dead? One of my mantis was partially eaten by a cricket. The head (1 eye) arms and legs is severed. And it's still breathing!

Asa · Jul 12, 2007

when molting does it lay there like it's weak or dead? One of my mantis was partially eaten by a cricket. The head (1 eye) arms and legs is severed. And it's still breathing!

Put it out of its misery. (into the fridge). When moulting, it hangs on to something high in the air, and arches its back. In a couple of minutes it will wriggle out of its old skin. Unfortunately, if it doesn't molt correctly, it can turn out in death.

yen_saw · Jul 12, 2007

Just want to add that height is important when it comes to moulting, and lost limb can be regenerated through subsequent moulting.

when molting does it lay there like it's weak or dead?

They are vulnerable during and moment after moulting, it can takes as long as 30minutes to 1 hour to fully revive into full strength again so leaving any feeders like cricket while a mantis is mouting is not a good idea. Mantis usually do not feed a day before and after moulting.