Why Is My Praying Mantis Not Moving? 3 Clear Reasons

Many people want to keep praying mantis for their pets because of its frightening appearance and predatory insect that is harmless to humans.

Many pet owners don’t know some interesting facts about praying mantises, such as how mantises molt, ambush their prey, or whatever mantis behavior is. There are several possibilities that your praying mantis is not moving.

Why is my praying mantis not moving? First, the mantis molts and stays still hanging upside down until the molting process is complete. Second, mantis are ambush predators and tend to sit and wait for prey to come near. Third, the temperature is too low, making the mantis move less. Lastly, the mantis cannot move freely because the container is too small.

Let’s learn what happens when the mantis does not move and what we need to do.

Why Is My Praying Mantis Not Moving?

Let us study in detail why your praying mantis is not moving.

First, praying mantis are vicious predators who are clever at ambushing their prey. Praying mantis can stay in their position for any length of time until their prey is within their reach. Once the prey is off guard, the mantis will use their claws to grasp their prey and eat it instantly.

Second, study the molting process. The praying mantis will look for twigs, branches, or anything that can maintain their position upside down. Praying mantis will not move until they exit their old exoskeleton. Praying mantis will hang upside down on the back of their old skin to harden their new exoskeleton.

Third, try checking the temperature in the mantis’ container. Praying mantis requires humidity and the right temperature. A room that is too dry or lacks access to water can make the praying mantis dehydrated and not move. 

Another possibility is when praying mantis starts to get big but their container remains small. The praying mantis cannot move freely and can only stay motionless in place.

Is It Normal For A Mantis To Not Move Around Very Much?

Yes, the mantis is commonly motionless for long periods. They camouflage themselves waiting for their prey to approach. Mantis will stalk their prey and move slowly while carrying out stealthy movements.

Why Is My Praying Mantis Staying Still?

My mantis won’t move after not wanting to eat for a few days. I tried asking several mantis owners, and their answer was to wait a few days until the mantis shows the behavior of looking for a place to hang upside down.

The day after, I saw my mantis hanging upside down near the branch, and it turned out the mantis was about to molt.

Mantis will molt 6-9 times during its life. During mantis molting, they will not move until the process is complete.

Why Does A Praying Mantis Not Move?

Praying mantis not moving, molting, or dead? Let’s check the mantis’ behavior. The molting mantis will stay still on twigs, branches, or a place suitable for hanging upside down. Mantis will not move to speed up the process of removing their old skin.

If mantises don’t manage to get out of their old skin, they will get stuck and lead to death.

Why Do Praying Mantis Stay In The Same Spot?

Please check the mantis’ container temperature between 72–78° F (22–26° C). If mantises do not get a suitable temperature, they will not move much and will easily become dehydrated. If left untreated, mantises can change color and their bodies will dry out.

If the mantis looks healthy and the temperature is adequate, then the mantis does not move because they are waiting for their prey to pass nearby. The table below is a summary of why the mantis doesn’t move much.

Final Verdict

Praying mantis not moving sometimes is not a dangerous thing. Mantis often stay in place for a long time until they find the right prey to hunt.

Mantis will be silent for a long time when molting. The only thing to pay attention to is the habitat temperature at 72–78° F (22–26° C).

Mantis will dry out and not move when the habitat is too dry or too cold.

Rajkumar Ravichandran

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️