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Photo#1314422
Aid for a tired lady? - Tenodera sinensis - female

Aid for a tired lady? - Tenodera sinensis - Female
Macungie, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, USA
November 15, 2016
Size: 3 3/4"
Yes, a mantis. Type would be appreciated.

Also appreciated, possible help. After coming indoors 16 days ago, the lady laid eggs on Saturday and has not eaten since. She's only had water and honey, and rejected crickets and mealworms. She's barely moving. I accept that she is dying; I just want to understand what's happening.

Here's what is curious and possibly troubling: while she is mostly motionless, her ovipositor is moving. It releases a runny brown liquid from time to time. She still looks huge to me and I wonder if she has more eggs and lacks the strength (or climbing ability) to lay them. What's going on with that motion and liquid? And do females of this (presently unknown) type usually die so soon after laying? I knew her time would come but did not expect it so soon when I have been diligent about her care with food, water, misting etc and had hoped she'd be around a few weeks now that frost isn't an issue. Information would help me digest this situation. Thank you in advance for any thoughts you might share.

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Aid for a tired lady? - Tenodera sinensis - female Aid for a tired lady? - Tenodera sinensis - female Aid for a tired lady? - Tenodera sinensis - female

Chinese Mantis
She appears to have at least another ootheca, but she is literally falling apart and may be too weak/debilitated to press on. It is common for them to die soon after laying, as they have fulfilled their purpose.

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