magnusoj
07-09-2009, 12:59 PM
For a few weeks ago I purchased 2 cocoons from England to Norway (Small Chinese Praying Mantis Ootheca), and last night I discovered that the hatching was in progress.
It turned out that a few seemed to be in fine form (approximately 8 pcs.), some were dead (approx. 15 pcs.) and some crawling around (about 10 pcs.).
I've always had those in a "hatch bin" with the temperature and humidity, I had been told by the seller.
By studying those crawling around, I found that these had some threads around the legs (see the picture I have included below). Have carved over these threads for a couple with a scalpel, in the hope of saving some.
When I opened the cocoons, there were still many eggs that lay there and a couple of live larvae. Still have a cocoon again that is not hatched.
Now of course I wonder what that could have happened, and if someone can give me answers to what may be the cause?
http://kneler.webs.com/photos/Diverse/kneler_spindel.jpg
Magnus
See my website - Praying mantids and Stick insects (www.gullebass.com)
It turned out that a few seemed to be in fine form (approximately 8 pcs.), some were dead (approx. 15 pcs.) and some crawling around (about 10 pcs.).
I've always had those in a "hatch bin" with the temperature and humidity, I had been told by the seller.
By studying those crawling around, I found that these had some threads around the legs (see the picture I have included below). Have carved over these threads for a couple with a scalpel, in the hope of saving some.
When I opened the cocoons, there were still many eggs that lay there and a couple of live larvae. Still have a cocoon again that is not hatched.
Now of course I wonder what that could have happened, and if someone can give me answers to what may be the cause?
http://kneler.webs.com/photos/Diverse/kneler_spindel.jpg
Magnus
See my website - Praying mantids and Stick insects (www.gullebass.com)