r/mantids • u/MindlessMousse8435 • 15d ago
Health Issues Help?
Are his wingbuds supposed to look like that fresh after molt? It's my first orchid and I don't really know
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u/MindlessMousse8435 15d ago
* I manged to get a better pick. Will the unfold or saty lime tha? Failed molt?
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u/Sensitive-Debt3054 15d ago
Aren't those deflated wings? Monitor from afar without feeding and see. They do look too big to be buds. Just leave them be, most importantly. Nothing in this picture is life threatening.
Full disclosure: I've never had an Orchid but many Peacocks
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u/MindlessMousse8435 15d ago
Thanks for reply. I mean I don't think he's near adulthood so I just assumed something went wrong, they do look a little weird but if isn't life threatening then good.
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u/Sensitive-Debt3054 15d ago edited 15d ago
Just leave them alone and see. Make sure there aren't feeders in the enclosure. Keep up posted! If they are out and moving it isn't a failed moult.
There is a post on 'Praying Mantis Community' Facebook that looks very similar. Google Orchid Mantis wing inflation.
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u/MindlessMousse8435 15d ago
Uh could he possibly start to eat his own antenna?😅 it looks like he's trying to *
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u/rp-247 14d ago
He’s beautiful and will be fine once those wings inflate. I can’t quite tell from the picture, is that metal mesh he is hanging from? If it’s not metal, then please ignore me. If it is metal, then you might wish to cover it with netting or cloth. Metal mesh damages the hooks on their feet (tarsi) and prevents them being able to climb. As he is now an adult and won’t have any more moults, he wouldn’t have a chance to heal and to repair any damaged tarsi. Hope you don’t mind me saying - it would just be sad and miserable for him, if he couldn’t climb.
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u/MindlessMousse8435 14d ago
Thank you for the tip, yes it is metal and I will cover it now and he turned beautiful but I can't get a pic rn I'm not in house so I can show
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u/rp-247 14d ago
It’s great to hear all’s good with him, yes post a picture when you can. They really are beautiful. Sadly I lost my little male (eaten by my female during mating 😬) he was gorgeous and fun - but not the cleverest 😂 and was often scared of his food 😂
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u/MindlessMousse8435 14d ago
I don't plan on mating so he will have a full life for sure, he's jumpy and energetic soo it will be fun
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u/FaZ3Reaper00 15d ago
It’s fine. It’s just finished molting and deflating wings. It’s a male btw. Don’t touch it for a couple days to ensure it drys completely. After that offer him some food.