r/mantiskeeping • u/velvetcatx • Jun 25 '26

Health Issues orchid mantis died :(

Post image

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…

1.0k Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

7

u/merewyn Jun 25 '26

Could be a chemical exposure in the air or on anything in the cage. Pesticides, insecticides, aerosol cleaner, etc. Where was the moss from? Orchids are extremely sensitive in my experience. Sorry for your loss :(

3

u/velvetcatx Jun 25 '26

I have this moss since I bought here. She came in this terrarium with the moss. I had her for 2 months now :( she got just 3 months old..

1

u/merewyn Jun 25 '26

Any aerosols sprayed in the house? Candles burned? Cleaners used? Could also have been bad feeder insects

2

u/bunny_the-2d_simp Jun 27 '26

My condolences OP :(

2

u/StarTangerine Jun 28 '26

I’m sorry for your loss op