Preying Mantis Oothica and Chinese Mantis adult

bugman

December 30th, 2009 at 9:55 am

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Honey Comb??
December 28, 2009
This structure appears on twigs of Juniperus virginiana and pines, but also on plastic tape of electric cattle fencing. It contains a honey like, but not sweet substance. What insect builds these structures which are 2.5-3.5 cm long.
chrishogger
Scottsville VA

Preying Mantis Oothica

Hi chrishogger,
This is the Oothica or Egg Case of a Preying Mantis. Several hundred young should emerge in the spring. Some years we get numerous letters because Mantis Oothica are often found on conifers, and they are brought into the home on Christmas Trees. If unnoticed, the indoor warmth causes the young to emerge early in the house.

Daniel,
Thanks for the identification of the object.
Here are 2 pictures of the adult, which is quite common in our garden. Which species?

Chinese Mantis

We believe this is a Chinese Mantis, Tenodera aridifolia sinensis, which is pictured on BugGuide. It is described as: “Tan to pale green. Forewings tan with green along front margin. Compund eyes chocolate-brown at sunset, pale tan soon after sunrise and during the day.”