Molting Guide
Identifying an impending molt can be tricky & it's important to avoid handling when a mantis is trying to molt.
Our guide below will walk you through the molting process. Keep in mind any one of these indicators alone is not necessarily enough to make an accurate prediction. The more indicators, the more likely a shed is imminent.
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**If you are worried your mantis is stuck in a molt or having trouble molting please refer to our Common Mantis Problems Guide.
**Keep in mind: Younger nymphs don't have wing buds and their molt windows are much shorter than older instars.
A 1st or 2nd instar nymph could eat a meal and in less than 24 hours molt. Younger nymphs are also smaller so it's harder to pick out the details. Best indicator for young nymphs is refusal of food.
What does it look like when a Mantis Molts?
The molting process is amazing to watch - but easy to miss because it can happen at anytime!
We've linked some images & videos below!
