Why did my Orchid Mantis die?

[Mantis Man13]

When I was keeping a femaleorchid mantis that turned into an adult mantis after a few weeks it just fell to the floor of the cage writhing and then she died?. Was it because the container was so dirty since I wasn't cleaning it enough times? It was very sudden and confusing I hope the problem is solved.

 

[crabbypatty]

It could be several factors, sometimes it's a bad feeder, sometimes you'll never know unfortunately. What was the last thing she ate?

 

[Mantis Man13]

a cricket

 

[crabbypatty]

Oh, some people have used crickets and it works for them, but I don't trust them. They're just too unpredictable health wise, I would stick to roaches, flies, waxworms, mealworms, or superworms. 

 

[MantisRCool]

Yeah orchids can have a provlem with cricket but also like tons of other stuff they are not easy to keep. 2 of mine died dunno why, the rest is all right. I heard cleaning is also important for them. And rigt temperature, hunidity etc

 

[Zeppy44]

When I was keeping a femaleorchid mantis that turned into an adult mantis after a few weeks it just fell to the floor of the cage writhing and then she died?. Was it because the container was so dirty since I wasn't cleaning it enough times? It was very sudden and confusing I hope the problem is solved.

I am getting a new mantis, but I havent cleaned by plastic deli cup container with mesh for a year, the last time I had a mantis. It is very dirty is there a way to still use it by cleaning it? How should I clean it?

View attachment 8855

If this was the orchid's habitat, the question is answered.

 

[Mantis Man13]

So if I cleaned the container more often the mantis wouldnt have died?

 

[Zeppy44]

There is not way anyone can possibly answer that question.   But I see no cross ventilation, way too much fecal matter, way too small a container for adult orchid imho.

This is one of 4 species on my bucket mantis list. So I read all I can before I take care of a new life form. Beautiful but beyond my new skills with mantis to care for.

What temperature did you keep during day, night? What humidity day, night. What variety of foods did you feed.

Knowing they need higher temps and humidity, what did you do to keep air "fresh"?

The care sheet here in forum: high humidity without adequate ventilation will kill mantis.

 

[crabbypatty]

Oh dear, @Zeppy44 is correct about keeping an adult mantis in such a tiny place and doing adequate research on said species. I keep my adults in either ten gallon enclosures or half that depending on size of course. They need space to roam and enjoy being a bug. I like to keep things tidy for them, and clean once a month. The only ones I keep in deli cups are tiny nymphs, I'll adjust enclosures as they grow. I don't want to sound mean or offend, but if this was the orchid's home then I can imagine the condition of those crickets and their own home. Everything combined might have caused her death. Moving forward, you might want to get a bigger enclosure and provide better ventilation if you're planning on another. No hard feelings I hope, I'm glad you're asking for help for the future of any other mantis you get.

 

[Mantis Man13]

Ok I will not have crickets again. I should have cleaned the crickets cage once a day I guess.

 

[Zeppy44]

Maybe I look at caring for another life form differently. IMHO it is a lot more than just keeping alive. My intent is to see that they thrive under my care.

The air is so important     that is why so many talk about it and cross ventilation.

Helps stop mold, fungus, and bacteria from building up in habitat. Apparently orchids are touchy in this area. Having lived in that type of environment and fought those same problems on a human scale, I can understand how it gets bad fast in a small habitat. 

The way mantis live in wild there would never be a build up of their waste and food remains. Best kept minimal in habitat or get clean up crew to handle. Just my thoughts on keeping this beautiful species.

 

[crabbypatty]

@Mantis Man13 I've tried keeping crickets before but they got too messy too fast. On enclosures, you can easily make your own, no need to break the bank for a fancy one. Just get any large see through plastic container and make hole on the lid and a large hole on the side, patch holes with tulle or any mesh. I use sphagnum peat moss for substrate in big enclosures and it's easy to clean. Decorate with sticks and other things mantid can hang one to, and you've got yourself a nice place for a bug to live! Don't feel bad, mistakes are part of the learning process.

 

[Zeppy44]

LoL for some of us making mistakes is the primary way to learn.

Thought : Make a new mistake today. And laugh when you notice.