R.I.P. Osiris

Emily-Fisher · 01-14-04, 06:09 PM

10 minutes ago, my female egyptian mantis, Osiris, made her 16th egg sack... she then fell to the bottom of her enclosure.. she then liften a claw and started shaking it as if she was struggling to stand up. She sadly then collapsed and passed away..

This must have been one of the most difficult deaths ever.. it was the first time that I witnessed a death. I saw her struggle and I wanted to just kill her right then and there so that she wouldn't have to suffer any longer. But I couldn't... I thought that there might have been some hope left..

I still have 2 of her babies and 4 egg sacks (which may be infertile..) but none of them will ever be able to replace Osiris. She was my first ever insect. She was also very exciting to watch. I loved watching her eat and I even held her a couple times.

She will be greatly missed and I will never forget her... R.I.P. Osiris..
<img src='http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/503/1248osiris2.gif'>

Invictus · 01-14-04, 06:13 PM

I'm so sorry Emily.

Big_V · 01-14-04, 06:15 PM

Thats so sad to hear. At least you have little babies so that you can remember her.

Jungle Jen · 01-14-04, 06:17 PM

I'm so sorry to hear that Emily.

Regards, JJ and the Zoo

Dani33 · 01-14-04, 06:22 PM

Sorry to hear that too.

manville · 01-14-04, 06:50 PM

sorry to hear that...that really sucks..

SaIiLdVaEnR · 01-14-04, 08:01 PM

My condolences and best wishes in the raising of the babies.

snakehunter · 01-14-04, 08:09 PM

Its amzing how much we love animals that dont show any affection back like a cat or a dog, yet we still grieve their death. Im sure everyone of us here has experienced this tragic event in one form or another, just remember the good times you had and you will see it through. My condolences....

KarlSnake · 01-14-04, 08:17 PM

Emily,

We are so sorry to hear the news of Osiris's passing.

Grief is part of the price that we pay for being human & I sincerely hope yours is brief.

Many do not or will not understand that it is possible (& perhaps more common than they are comfortable with admitting) to acquire an emotional attachment to a "bug". Ignore them, they're insensitive idiots. Mantids are INTELLIGENT insects, making it all the easier to grow attached to them. Unfortunaterly, the price for being an insect is a short lifespan for most of them. Although I am unfamiliar with the specifics of an "egyptian" mantis, 16 egg cases is a whole lot of them & attests to your good husbandry & care of Osisis.

Take care of yourself & any of the hatchlings from Osiris's egg cases.

scalawag · 01-14-04, 08:57 PM

Sorry for your loss Emily. Osiris has accomplished much more being a "bug" than many humans I know. She has brought joy, wonderment and has educated 'mere' humans. I'd say she had a very fullfilling life.