Mystery death or not? Evidence.

[redwinger02]

Need an opinion as I am under the conclusion that this was from the other mantis housed in the same tank. My Peacock was found dead this evening and upon inspection I found what appears to be a couple of strike marks from the other much smaller mantis. Or is it a disease of some sort that he suffered from?

 

[Gonodactylus]

It certainly looks like a fracture caused by a strike. This is an area right in front of the heat and could have caused the death If you are going to try to keep stomatopods together, you have to expect this result.

Roy

 

[XeniaMania]

it looks too curvy to be a strike mark in my opinion, looks more like a disease, however, just my opinion. You figure the shell would crack w/ jagged edges.

 

[Gonodactylus]

This kind of compression fracture is typical of a wound caused by a smasher. The cuticle is fairly pliable and bends when hit. Rarely do you get a clean break or even a hole (unless the animal is stabbed.) The real damage is done to the underlying tissues - in this case the equvalent of the aorta and to the gastric mill.

Roy

 

[redwinger02]

I figured that this might happen and I have a Gonodactylaceus falcatus also only it is about half the size. Figured if anything it would be the other way around however I realize anything can happen.