Worried about live food in enclosure

[sanchez]

OK, please no hate. I admitted in my introduction I don't remember ordering this baby mantis. Also getting hold of fruit flies proved very difficult during this strange lockdown times, so it went unfed for perhaps 5 days, which worried me. Initially thankful it was still alive I realised I hadn't a clue how to put the flies into the nymph's pot. As worried the mantis would starve I ended up taking both into the garden, knocking as many flies off the roof as possible then opening both pots and quickly knocking the lid of flies into the mantis. It fed faster than I could get the lid back on which made me happy, but there's about 15 or so live flightless live flies in the enclosure. Is this dangerous for the mantis? Should I let some free? Thanks!

 

[MantisGirl13]

Its fine if there are extra flies in the enclosure, they don't usually bother the mantis.

- MantisGirl13 

 

[hibiscusmile]

I would remove them if u can put them in the fridge for x feed time. he may go into a molt and they could hurt it by knocking him down.

 

[y1oveu]

It's okay as long as he has an appetite.
But, if he is not interested in feeding, he may be preparing a molt,
so it is better to remove them.