Sick Mantis? Please help

[Dutch06]

I acquired an O. scyllarus in January. He's been great. I think we're just getting comfortable with each other.

The last week I have noticed some small white spots forming on his tail. I'm sorry I don't know the scientifice name of the regions they have appeared on but their about half way down in a small group. The largest is about the size of an eraser head on a pencil, maybe 4 or 5 total.

I have read about shell disease and the molting process but I'm not exactly sure if these symptons fit in either category.

I would guess he's about 4-5 inches in length. In the last week, hes been more reclusive but still comes out on occasion. He continues to build and make changes to his home. His eating habits are also normal.

Is this the first stages of a molt or the dreaded shell disease? Anything I can do or should be doing? Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[Gonodactylus]

Sounds like it could be both. If the lesions have not yet turned back or rusty brown in color, they probably have not penetrated the cuticle, so if he molts, he should have a good chance of getting rid of the problem. If he does molt, I would remove the old molt skin as quickly as possible.

Roy

 

[Dutch06]

Thank you very much for your response Roy. You were exactly the person I hoped to respond.

So, at this point is it simply wait and see what happens? Is shell disease a slow process or something that will come on quickly once the white spots start to appear?

Lesions turned back? Could you elaborate on this please?

Rusty brown? No. Their just small and white at this time.

Should I keep the lights off, or lower the time, to help the molting process?

Thanks again.

 

[Gonodactylus]

When the cuticle is severely impacted, and particularly when the lesions go completely through the exoskeleton, the underlying tissue is damaged and it can turn black. This is usually fatal, particularly when the animal tries to molt because it usually gets stuck.

The rust color is a more advanced stage that usually follows after the first small spots.

Shell disease is not fast. It takes weeks to a few months to get really bad.

About the only thing that I have found to help besides good water, nutrition and den is uv sterilization of the water. It seems to slow down the spread of the disease.

Roy

 

[Dutch06]

I'm bummed.

But thank you for your help.