Praying Mantis Egg Cases (2)

Each egg case can contain 50-200 nymphs. Can take up to 6 weeks to hatch.

TARGET PESTS
Crickets, Grasshoppers, Moths, Locusts, Caterpillars, Cockroaches, & more.

DESCRIPTION
Scientific Name: Tenodera aridifolia sinensis
Praying mantises are known for their distinctive appearance and generalist predatory behavior on a variety of garden pests such as aphids, flies, mosquitoes, beetles, and caterpillars. They have elongated bodies, triangular heads, powerful front legs, and can range in size from 1-6 inches or more. These skilled hunters often ambush their prey with stealth and precision under a camouflage of green, brown, or a combination of hues depending on their natural surroundings.

During the late summer or early fall, female praying mantises lay 50-200 eggs in a frothy substance that hardens into a protective case. The egg case is attached to twigs, branches, or other surfaces where it is sheltered through winter. The eggs begin to develop when temperatures rise in spring and early summer, hatching after 4-6 weeks of consistent temperatures of 70°F or more. For best results, ensure optimal humidity so the egg case stays moist, but not overly wet. Young nymphs resembling wingless adults emerge and disperse within an hour of hatching. They actively seek out prey suitable to their size as they grow into juveniles through several molting stages, gradually developing into adults with fully formed wings and preying on larger insects. Adults may live for several months or up to a year depending on environmental conditions.