Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi

I've had my mantid for about two months now. She/he was a nymph when I got it and moulted into adult form about a week later. She's in a 5 gallon planted tank with lots of place to hunt and hide. Feeding small crickets and flightless fruit flies. This morning she is on the bottom of the tank, and at first I thought she was dead. I picked her up and her hind legs were twitching fiercely. Her eyes have gone a violet hue and I'm not sure if she's dying or moulting. As you can tell, I'm very new to mantid ownership. I was keeping her at room temperature (72) with a vitalite on the tank for the plants. I've now added a heat bulb to the far end of the tank from where she is.

Advice, suggestions???

Thanks
Tivona

Here is some advice: www.mantidforum.com

Thanks,
Andrew

Hi,
If your mantis has already grown a set of wings, then it is already adult and will not moult again. Did you startle the mantis at all? My male p.w is a master of making me think he's dead, then i'll leave the room a few minutes and he's absolutely fine, the female tends to either just display in defense or stay absolutely still, but its not unknown for my male to throw himself onto his back on the cage floor when something makes him jump. On another note though, as i say once adult, they are at their final life stage and eventually time will take its toll on the manids biological clock no matter what we try.
Best wishes
Dave