Wings after final molt

[Headspace]

I have a Chinese mantis who just underwent a final molt. It's been 7 hours, and the top set of wings still haven't "dried." Is this normal or is something wrong?

 

[hibiscusmile]

I never counted the time, but it is probably ok.

 

[idolomantis]

Fine, but they are fully formed right?

Not that the're still half pumped

 

[Headspace]

24 hours later and the tip ends of the wings are still wrinkled or "half pumped" as you say.

 

[idolomantis]

24 hours later and the tip ends of the wings are still wrinkled or "half pumped" as you say.

That happens sometime, don't worry about it.

 

[Headspace]

As long as the Mantis is still ready to rock and roll I am sure she'll be fine. I just don't want her to be uncomfortable forever, unable to fold her wings.

Do you clip the tips when this happens or will that hurt the mantis?

 

[kamakiri]

I wouldn't clip the wings..but if you do, I suggest waiting a few days for them to harden.

I'd give her some water to drink ASAP. If she failed to complete pumping up her wings, I suspect a little dehydration.

 

[Rick]

Sometimes it happens. Did you disturb it or remove it from the enclosure before it was fully dry? I see people do this and I personally don't mess with them for at least a couple days after a molt.