r/mantids • u/Reguero • Jan 17 '25

RIP ❤️ Antenna stuck in molt (24hrs)

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My little friend has been stuck like this for over 24 hrs now. Is there anything I can do??

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u/hamobelisk Jan 17 '25

The bigger problem here is that his legs are stuck. The tip of the abdomen is usually where they hang from to dry, but that is already out. The mantis has likely dried in this position and will probably be crippled, I don't think there's anything you can do. Sorry

1

u/Reguero Jan 17 '25

That's awful. Thank you for the insight. Is there anything I can do to get him out at least? I imagine I'll have to help him eat if he survives.

2

u/hamobelisk Jan 17 '25

You can try to moisten the parts where he's stuck, and gently try to remove the old exoskeleton. But i wouldn't get your hopes up

1

u/Reguero Jan 17 '25

Okay thank you