Inkie14 Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 Whenever I try and pin mantises, the same thing always happens. They turn black and rot, and I have to throw them away. I have not experienced this with any other insects. Here is a picture of a Stagmomantis limbata for reference- it was light brown when I pinned it, and now it has completely rotted. I have another mantis in the freezer waiting to be pinned, but I really want this one to turn out well. Does anyone have any ideas on how to prevent the specimen from rotting? After spreading, I keep the specimen in a dark, dry closet, free from pests and mold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loosey Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 perhaps try a relaxing solution when you defrost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pannaking22 Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 If you put the specimen on sand after pinning that may help. You can also make a small cut in the ventral side of the mantis and take all the organs out, then use a little glue to seal it back up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toadstar Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 Try putting them in a food dehydrator? Make some yummy banana chips while you pin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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