The Complete Guide to Praying Mantis Molting

Molting is an amazing process that happens multiple times during a praying mantis’ life. As pet owners, it’s crucial we understand what molting is, why it happens, and how to ensure our mantises molt successfully.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about praying mantis molting.

What is Molting?

Molting is the process of shedding the external skeleton (exoskeleton). Instead of growing bit by bit like we do, insects like mantises grow by molting.

Their exoskeleton doesn’t grow with them, so they have to shed it periodically in order to get bigger. Molting allows insects to increase in size rapidly compared to organisms like us with internal skeletons.

Molting begins when a new exoskeleton starts forming under the old one. This new skeleton is soft and flexible at first, allowing the mantis to break free of the old shell.

Once the old exoskeleton is shed the new skeleton hardens and provides protection again. The mantis emerges larger than before!

Why Do Praying Mantises Molt?

Praying mantises molt for one simple reason: to grow. Molting enables large increases in size that would otherwise be impossible with their rigid outer skeleton.

Young mantises will molt more frequently as they have lots of growing to do Adults molt less often but still need to shed their exoskeleton periodically.

Molting is vital to a mantis’ growth and survival. Without molting, they would be trapped in an unchanging exoskeleton and unable to grow larger.

Praying Mantis Molting Stages

Mantises go through several molting stages during their lives. Each one is crucial for reaching their maximum size.

Number of Molting Stages

Most praying mantises molt at least 6 times during their lives. Earlier stages are called “instars”. The stages are:

• Egg
• 1st instar (L1)
• 2nd instar (L2)
• 3rd instar (L3)
• 4th instar (L4)
• 5th instar (L5)
• 6th instar (L6)
• Adult

So a mantis will molt 6 times from hatching to adulthood. Some species molt 7-9 times total. Bigger species tend to have more molts.

Frequency of Molting

Younger mantises will molt more frequently than adults. The time between molts ranges from 9-15 days depending on temperature, humidity, and age.

In early instars, they may molt every 1-2 weeks. Adults molt much less frequently, around every 4-6 weeks.

Duration of Molting

The molting process takes 1-2 weeks for younger mantises. For adults, molting may take up to a month from start to finish.

The actual shedding of the old exoskeleton only takes a few minutes. It’s the time before (growing a new skeleton) and after (hardening) that makes molting long.

Molting Process and Timeline

Now that we know why and how often mantises molt, let’s look at the entire molting timeline from start to finish.

Pre-Molt (Days 1-3)

Several changes happen in the days before molting:

• The mantis stops eating and becomes less active.
• It often hangs upside down from the top of its habitat.
• Wing buds may become swollen (in last molt to adulthood).

These signs indicate a molt will occur soon. Make sure the habitat stays hydrated!

Molting (Day 4)

Molting itself only takes 5-60 minutes. Here’s the molting process:

1. The mantis hangs upside down and starts wriggling out of its old exoskeleton through a split down the back.
2. It slowly works its way out, shedding the exoskeleton like a suit. Legs come out first.
3. Once fully emerged, it hangs upside down until the new exoskeleton hardens.

Molting requires lots of energy, so don’t disturb the mantis! Ensure the habitat is secure so it doesn’t fall.

Post-Molt (Days 5+)

After molting, a 1-2 day recovery period is needed:

• The new exoskeleton hardens completely in 12-24 hours.
• Food should not be offered until day 2, once hardening finishes.
• The mantis will be very hungry and eat readily once ready.
• Avoid handling for the first couple days since it’s vulnerable.

Proper post-molt care allows the mantis to recover fully and resume normal activity.

Caring For a Molting Mantis

Molting is risky business for a mantis. As owners, we need to provide some specialized care during this vulnerable time.

Here are some tips for pre-molt, molting, and post-molt care:

Pre-Molt Care Tips

• Keep the habitat very hydrated by misting daily
• Reduce feeding as appetite decreases
• Make sure there are appropriate surfaces for hanging upside down
• Stop handling once it starts hanging upside down

Molting Care Tips

• Do not disturb the mantis while molting
• Keep the habitat secure so it doesn’t fall mid-molt
• Ensure humidity is high enough for the mantis to wiggle out
• Resist any urge to “help” – this usually does more harm than good

Post-Molt Care Tips

• Keep the habitat very humid for 24 hours to let the new exoskeleton harden
• Do not attempt to feed for the first 24 hours after molting
• Boost feeding once the mantis starts eating again
• Avoid handling until exoskeleton fully hardens

Follow these tips and you’ll have a smooth molting experience!

Molting Problems and Solutions

Sometimes molting issues crop up. Let’s look at some common molting problems and how to resolve them.

Problem: Stuck Molt (Also Called a Mismolt)

This happens when the mantis gets stuck in the old exoskeleton and can’t fully get out. It’s very dangerous and often fatal if not addressed.

Solutions:

• Increase the humidity right away if the mantis is still alive. This allows it to wiggle free.
• Very carefully help remove the stuck exoskeleton if humidity alone doesn’t work. Do this gently and only if the mantis can’t escape on its own.
• Avoid handling for 2 days after a stuck molt so the new exoskeleton can fully harden.

Problem: Falling During Molt

Falling while upside down and molting is often deadly. The soft new exoskeleton and unfinished molting process mean it can’t right itself.

Solutions:

• Provide lots of appropriate surfaces for upside down hanging. Avoid smooth plastic.
• If a fall happens, quickly but gently upright the mantis if possible so it can finish molting properly.
• Ensure the new exoskeleton fully hardens over the next few days.

Problem: Twisting / Crimping Limbs

Sometimes mantis legs or antennae can get twisted if the molt doesn’t proceed perfectly. A crimped limb may result.

Solutions:

• Ensure high humidity next molt to maximize chances of the limb straightening out.
• Carefully help straighten the limb once exoskeleton hardens.
• Monitor for problems next molt. You may need to amputate badly twisted/crimped limbs.

Preventing Molting Problems

While some issues are unavoidable, many mantis molting problems can be prevented with proper care:

• Keep the habitat humid leading up to and during molting
• Offer hanging perches suited to molting – avoid smooth surfaces
• Resist the urge to assist – this often makes problems worse
• Monitor closely but with minimal disturbance
• Ensure proper nutrition between molts so the mantis is healthy

Follow general good care guidelines and you’ll minimize molting issues.

Molting is a complex process, but absolutely necessary for a praying mantis to grow, thrive, and survive.

By understanding what molting is and how to care for a molting mantis, we can help ensure a smooth molting experience. Pay close attention to humidity, nutrition, and habitat setup to facilitate successful molting.

With proper care around molting time, your mantis can molt safely and emerge even bigger and stronger than before!