Velvet ants keep dying

[Camry]

A week ago I had one of my velvet ants assumedly die from pesticides from a blueberry. Since then I’ve given nothing but beetle jelly, sugar water, and normal water all with spring (I’ve never seen them actually eat or drink). But last night I saw one of my girls was sleeping curled in I poked at her and she seemed fine but I just woke up and all she can do is twitch one foot lightly. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong I’m following all the care info I’ve found. Any ideas as to why? I only have one girl left.

 

[birdonfire]

Probably a lingering effect from pesticides.

 

[Camry]

Probably a lingering effect from pesticides.

That’s what I’m thinking. She’s had a lame leg since the incident. I had thought I could write off pesticides after a week but I guess not

 

[Anandi]

HAd the same thing happen with isopods and cucumbers. I'm to the point that if i don't personally know who grew it, I won't use it.

 

[The Snark]

That’s what I’m thinking. She’s had a lame leg since the incident. I had thought I could write off pesticides after a week but I guess not

Depends on the pesticide chemical's pervasive latency. Some are designed to remain active for extended periods of time. Very few are one shot and gone from the environment. Then the manufacturers confuse the issue by adding adjuvants. Example, a common pesticide that is effective for 10 days, but kills fish for months.
DDT had a pervasive latency of 20 years and still effects animals today. As with the weak shells of peregrine falcon eggs decades after is was banned.

 

[Thearachnidaddict]

Enclosure looks fine. I’m assuming it was wild caught and if so you never know how old it actually is