Praying Mantis Egg Cases
Last week at the CT Flower & Garden Show I visited the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens display where they had several different types of insect egg cases for sale (e.g., luna moth, ladybugs, praying mantis). I was fascinated with the praying mantis egg cases which are about the size of a large gumball. They came in a clear plastic cup with a perforated lid (the case was glued to the inside of the cup). You put it in the refrigerator until April 15 and then leave it in the kitchen where the babies will hatch within 2 – 3 weeks. At that point you can release them into the garden. I should note that these are the appropriate dates for southern Connecticut – other zones will be different.
Praying mantis egg case in a cup
Last year I had several praying mantids in my garden and, aside from an occassional aphid infestation, had no problems with insect pests. I attribute that in part to the praying mantids. So I figured that releasing several hundred into the garden this spring would be a good thing (I only expect a few to stick around – the rest will probably eat each other or head off to dine in the neighbors’ yards). And for only $6 it seemed like a good deal so I bought a cup at the garden show. Then this afternoon as I was talking to the plants in the back garden, I noticed something odd on a dried up clematis vine. When I looked closer I realized that is was, you guessed it, a praying mantis egg case! Or at least that’s what I think it is. Take a look at the photo – maybe you can tell me what I’ve really got here, like a wasp’s nest or something else I don’t want!
And last, but not least, here are a couple of interesting websites on praying mantids -
Univ of Kentucky Entomology Dept.
