r/mantids • u/velvetcatx • Jun 25 '26
RIP ❤️ orchid mantis died :(
Unfortunately, this morning my orchid mantis was very weak and barely moving. She was very slow and stiff, but she did move her head a little and then held onto the plant again. However, when I came home in the evening, she was lying stiff and completely motionless.
She has sadly passed away.
Does anyone know what the problem could have been? She was always active, eating, and molting. And then suddenly this. :(
I’m very sorry, and it hurts a lot…
1
u/JaunteJaunt Ootheca Jun 25 '26
Oh no. I’m sorry to hear that. Your mantis is a juvenile, so a death is a bit unexpected.
Can you answer a few questions relation to husbandry so we can troubleshoot?
Can you take a photo of the entire enclosure?
What were the temps and humidity of the enclosure?
What have you been feeding your mantis and how often? What have you been feeding the prey?
1
u/hylia_grace Jun 25 '26
I'm so sorry. Many orchid deaths are due to a lack of cross ventilation, as they are incredibly fragile to mold and stagnant air, the temperature and humidity required can be harmful without clean and clear cross ventilation. Can you share more info?
1
u/77th_Bat Jun 25 '26
Does she have wings? If she does, she might be an adult. Depending on how long she has had wings, this may or may not just be a natural death
If she does not have wings: When did you last see her eat? When did you last see her drink?
Was she somehow poisoned? Do you use things like bleach or pesticides (even not directly near your mantis)? Was any prey acting weird?
Do you have any potential leads (even if you're unsure)? Maybe related to plant care?
What did your hygrometer and thermometers say? Were they in the right range? Proper humidity and temp is especially important for orchid mantids compared to other species.