Praying Mantis Egg Case Identification
Courtesy Julie Schmitt Praying mantis egg cases
“I found what looks like some sort of cocoon or egg sac on my sedum stalks during my fall cleanup. Can you identify it?” asks Birds & Blooms reader Julie Schmitt of Juda, Wisconsin.
Experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman write, “These are the egg cases, called oothecae, of a praying mantis. Produced by the female, a single ootheca can contain anywhere from a few dozen to several hundred eggs, depending on the species.
After mating, the female lays her eggs and then secretes a frothy substance that hardens to form the case, which offers insulation and protection against predators and harsh weather. The ootheca is often attached to plants or other surfaces, where it will remain until the eggs hatch, usually in spring.
When conditions are favorable, the young mantises, known as nymphs, emerge from the ootheca, ready to begin their life cycle.”
Do praying mantis sightings have meaning?
When Do Praying Mantis Eggs Hatch?
Seregraff/Getty ImagesNewborn wood mantis on egg case
“I found a praying mantis egg case on my holly bush. Is it OK to leave it there for winter? When will the eggs hatch?” asks reader Mary Gerlach of Marietta, Pennsylvania.
Kenn and Kimberly say, “A female praying mantis lays anywhere from several dozen to a few hundred eggs along with a frothy gel that hardens into a stiff egg case in fall. The eggs in the case survive winter temperatures just fine, and will hatch sometime in spring. It’s best to leave the case where you found it. When the tiny mantises hatch, their instincts guide them as they disperse from the holly bush out into the rest of your garden.”
Next, find out if a praying mantis will eat a hummingbird.
About the Experts
Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman are the official bird experts for Birds & Blooms. They are the creators of the Kaufman Field Guide series and they lead birding trips all over the world.
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