Praying mantis eggs, also known as oothecas, are unique egg cases that house the tiny mantids in various stages of development. They can hold anywhere from dozens to hundreds of eggs, offering protection from the elements and predators. Oothecas are fascinating, both for mantis enthusiasts and those interested in the life cycle of these incredible insects.
There are several species of mantids found in the United States, with the native Carolina mantis, and the introduced Chinese and European mantids being a few examples source. Each species’ ootheca is slightly different in appearance: for instance, Carolina mantis oothecas are smaller and flatter, whereas Chinese mantids have a larger and rounder egg case (source).
Oothecas can be found on a variety of surfaces, such as branches, stems, walls, and fences in the fall and winter months source. These egg cases are essential for praying mantis populations, as they help ensure the survival of the next generation of these fascinating predators.
Praying Mantis Egg Basics
Ootheca
The ootheca is the protective covering that houses and provides shelter to praying mantis eggs. An example of an ootheca shape and size is a foam-like, hard structure that can be around 1-2 inches long.
Egg Sac
The Egg Sac is another term used for the ootheca, which contains multiple eggs and offers protection throughout their development. It attaches to surfaces like branches or leaves.
Egg Case
Similar to the Egg Sac, the Egg Case refers to the ootheca containing praying mantis eggs. Egg cases can vary in shape, color, and size, depending on the mantis species.
| Feature | Ootheca | Egg Sac | Egg Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Protective cover for eggs | Provides shelter to eggs | Enclosing structure for eggs |
| Material | Foam-like, hard | similar to Ootheca | similar to Egg Sac |
- Characteristics of Praying Mantis Egg Coverings (ootheca, egg sac, egg case)
- Protective
- Can house multiple eggs
- Attaches to surfaces like leaves and branches
Life Cycle and Hatching
Nymphs
Praying mantis eggs, or ootheca, are laid by a female in a foamy structure that hardens into a protective covering. Inside the ootheca are 200 or more eggs. The egg case is the only part of the life cycle that can survive frost and overwinter.
- Hatching in the summer
- Nymphs resemble smaller, wingless adults
These eggs hatch within the summer and release nymphs, which are smaller and wingless versions of adult mantids. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis and grow through a series of molts.
Adulthood
As the mantids grow, they transition into adults that can be 2 to 5 inches long in general and come in various colors like brown, green, or yellowish. The adult praying mantises possess leathery wings and are well-known for their unique mating behavior. Let’s look at two common mantis species found in North America:
| Species | Habitat | Adult Size |
|---|---|---|
| North American Mantis | USA, Canada | 2-5 inches |
| China Mantis | East Asia, USA | 2-4 inches |
In the fall season, the mating process occurs between males and females. Post-mating, females lay more ootheca, ensuring survival for the next generation.
Key Features
- Females lay 200-300 eggs in an ootheca
- Hatching occurs in summer
- Nymphs molt and grow into adults
- Mating takes place in the fall
Factors affecting hatching
- Temperature: Hatching occurs during warmer months; overwintering helps eggs to survive cold conditions
- Humidity: Maintaining proper humidity levels can help in hatching success
In summary, praying mantis eggs develop and hatch seasonally, with nymphs growing into adults before the mating process takes place. Understanding the factors affecting hatching, such as temperature and humidity, can aid in their conservation and potential pest control usage.
Care and Handling
Temperature Requirements
Caring for a mantid ootheca properly involves maintaining the appropriate temperature. Most species require temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. However, depending on the mantis species, the optimal temperature could range from 55°F to 85°F. Ensure you research the specific needs of your mantis species to provide the ideal environment.
Humidity
Humidity is crucial for the healthy development of praying mantis eggs. Maintain humidity around 60% to 80% for a majority of species. To increase humidity, mist the ootheca gently with water or place a shallow container of water in their environment while maintaining proper ventilation.
Caring for Mantis Eggs as Pets
Caring for praying mantis egg sacks as pets can be a rewarding experience. Some key factors to consider include:
- Location: Attach the ootheca to a twig, walls, or eaves, as described by Kansas State University, and place it in a suitable container.
- Container: Use a well-ventilated container that prevents the nymphs from escaping. The container should have tiny holes for air exchange but not large enough for the nymphs to escape.
- Substrate: Provide a clean substrate, such as paper towels, lightly misted with water to maintain humidity.
Mantis Eggs Comparison:
| Factors | Carolina Mantis | Chinese Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Ootheca Appearance | Smaller, flatter, resembles a fossilized trilobite source | Larger, foam-like mass source |
| Temperature | Similar: 65°F – 75°F | Similar: 65°F – 75°F |
| Humidity | Similar: 60% – 80% | Similar: 60% – 80% |
Remember, always research the specific needs of the mantis species you have to ensure a healthy environment.
Mating and Reproduction
Male and Female Mantis Behavior
Male and female mantises exhibit distinct reproductive behaviors. Males are generally smaller, more agile, and have a higher capacity for flight. Females, on the other hand, are larger with an appetite to match, sometimes resulting in the cannibalism of their mate. This behavior often occurs during or shortly after mating.
Process of Mating and Laying Eggs
The mating process for praying mantises involves the male carefully approaching the female and jumping onto her back. If successful, the male then engages in copulation but may risk being eaten by the female mantis during this process. After mating, female mantises focus on egg-laying. Oothecas, or egg cases, are essential for protecting the eggs from predators and harsh weather conditions such as rain and snow.
Features of oothecas:
- Hardened, foam-like structure
- Straw-colored
- Attached to stems, branches, or fences
Female mantises lay their eggs on various surfaces, such as branches, stems, or fences, and produce oothecas to encase their eggs. Example of ootheca placement:
- Chinese mantids: small stems and twigs
- Carolina mantids: branches, walls, sides of houses
Oothecas vary in size depending on the mantis species, with the native Carolina mantis having a longer and narrower ootheca compared to the Chinese mantis. They serve as excellent camouflage, helping the eggs remain hidden. Once the eggs are safely deposited, females leave the scene, and the new mantises will hatch in spring, with diet, cooler temperatures, and seasonal changes playing a role in their development.
| Feature | Carolina Mantis | Chinese Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Ootheca Size | Longer and narrower | Larger |
| Egg Placement | Branches, walls, sides of houses | Small stems and twigs |
| Color | Similar to branches and stems | Straw-colored |
| Overwintering | Yes | Yes |
| Mating Season | Fall | Fall |
Integration in Gardens and Pest Control
Garden Role
Praying mantis egg cases, or oothecae, can be found in gardens attached to branches or other surfaces. The Carolina mantis ootheca is smaller, flatter, and often found on flat vertical surfaces. Alternatively, the Chinese mantis ootheca is larger, beige, and has round edges.
The presence of praying mantises in a garden can have the following effects:
- Consumption of various insects
- Natural pest control
- Attraction of other predators
Natural Pest Control
Praying mantises are predators that actively search for their prey, making them helpful in controlling garden pests. However, it’s important to note that they are generalist predators and not specific to any particular pest. The goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to keep pest populations below economically relevant levels, and mantises can play a role in that process.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Control various insect pests | Generalist, not pest-specific |
| Attraction of other predators | May consume beneficial insects |
As generalist predators, they may also consume other beneficial insects. Careful consideration should be given when deciding to release praying mantises into a garden as part of a pest management strategy.
42 Comments. Leave new
Sorry about the resolution. I took the picture quickly with my phone camera. My digital camera is out of commision with a broken screen. Thank you for posting this.
When we blew it up really large to see if we could determine the sex of the Mantis, we were amazed at the artful image degradation. As photography instructors, we have been itching to teach a class in cellular telephone photography.
That’s a mantis religiosa.
Thanks again for the ID.
That ia an adult females Tenodera sinensis. Chinese mantis.
They are Mantis religiosa.
Pogonogaster tristani Rehn, 1928
*1918
Thanks for the identification.
i am interested to supply… stickinsects etc…
These are mantis religiosa oothecas
Thanks for this and other recent Mantis comment identifications.
Possibly Taumantis sigiana
Thank you for that information.
Hello Bugman.
I would like to submit more information on Pogonogaster tristani, since I looked it up thanks to help from Mantis experts.
It turns out, it’s a rediscovery.
In fact, there where no images available of this species, not even in the book by Rehn, which only had a text description.
And there was one specimen captured by JF Tristan (thus the name) in May 1906 and deposited in the collection of Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia under the catalog number of types 5353 (REHN, 1918; OTTE, 1978).
I have more pictures of this species, including one that won Best Photo of 2013-2014 on the Insect News Network.
You can see more images of this beautiful species in my website http://www.micromacrophoto.com under the section of Mantis.
Furthermore, a paper is being published on the rediscovery, where the original author, Julián A. Salazar-E, an entomologist from Colombia, graciously included me as first author because of the photos (and video! – find it on my website) I took of this rediscovered species.
I will provide a link as soon as it’s published in his science magazine, which will be in a few days.
Sincerely,
Oscar Blanco.
http://www.micromacrophoto.com
Thanks so much for this exciting update Oscar, and congratulations on your award winning image.
My name is Dr. Martin Nyffeler and I am a Senior Lecturer in Zoology affiliated with the University of Basel, Switzerland. I am in the process of writing an extensive review paper on “Bird predation by praying mantises”. It is my intention to publish this paper in a top biology journal. Currently I try to get photos of bird predation by mantises.
I have seen your two photos of a “Mantis eats Ruby Throated Hummingbird” posted on the whatsthatbug.com website.
I would like to ask you if I could get permission from you to use these photos in my new paper. Of course I would give you full credit for being the photographer who took the pictures.
I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you in advance for your support.
Best Regards,
Martin Nyffeler
My name is Dr. Martin Nyffeler and I am a Senior Lecturer in Zoology affiliated with the University of Basel, Switzerland. I am in the process of writing an extensive review paper on “Bird predation by praying mantises”. It is my intention to publish this paper in a top biology journal. Currently I try to get photos of bird predation by mantises.
I have seen your two photos of a “Mantis eats Ruby Throated Hummingbird” posted on the whatsthatbug.com website.
I would like to ask you if I could get permission from you to use these photos in my new paper. Of course I would give you full credit for being the photographer who took the pictures.
I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you in advance for your support.
Best Regards,
Martin Nyffeler
Dear Dr. Nyffeler,
We are no longer in contact with Randy Anderson of Biggsville, Illinois, but our submission form gives What’s That Bug? permission to publish images and content on our site and on WTB? authorized publications. Unless Randy Anderson writes back and requests that you not publish his images, What’s That Bug? will allow the images to be published in your scientific paper. Please credit Randy Anderson as the photographer and indicate that the images are courtesy of whatsthatbug.com. We can also search for the higher resolution images.
P.S. If you provide an email address, we will forward the higher resolution files.
Dear Bugman,
In your reply you wrote: “…..Unless Randy Anderson writes back and requests that you not publish his images, What’s That Bug? will allow the images to be published in your scientific paper…..” Since you wrote that you are no longer in contact with Randy Anderson of Bigsville, Illinois, how then does Mr. Anderson know that I intend using his images? How can he write back if he is not informed since he cannot be contacted ?
Does it mean, that if my paper is published and Randy Anderson discovers his images in my paper, he can require the paper to be withdrawn ?
Martin
Hi Martin,
Our submission form states: “By submitting an identification request and/or photo(s), you give WhatsThatBug.com permission to use your words and image(s) on their website and other WhatsThatBug.com publications. ” Though Randy Anderson is the true copyright holder of the image, it is now content on our copyrighted site. We are granting you permission to use this image in your paper. Though we are quite certain it will be a great paper, we doubt it will have the pop culture appeal and generate the type of revenue that the Harry Potter series generated, and as long as Randy Anderson is credited as the photographer and What’s That Bug? is credited as the source, you will not have to withdraw your paper. We frequently receive requests to publish images from our site, and in the case of scientific research, we always grant permission.
Dear Bugman,
In your reply you wrote: “…..Unless Randy Anderson writes back and requests that you not publish his images, What’s That Bug? will allow the images to be published in your scientific paper…..” Since you wrote that you are no longer in contact with Randy Anderson of Bigsville, Illinois, how then does Mr. Anderson know that I intend using his images? How can he write back if he is not informed since he cannot be contacted ?
Does it mean, that if my paper is published and Randy Anderson discovers his images in my paper, he can require the paper to be withdrawn ?
Martin
Hi Martin,
Our submission form states: “By submitting an identification request and/or photo(s), you give WhatsThatBug.com permission to use your words and image(s) on their website and other WhatsThatBug.com publications. ” Though Randy Anderson is the true copyright holder of the image, it is now content on our copyrighted site. We are granting you permission to use this image in your paper. Though we are quite certain it will be a great paper, we doubt it will have the pop culture appeal and generate the type of revenue that the Harry Potter series generated, and as long as Randy Anderson is credited as the photographer and What’s That Bug? is credited as the source, you will not have to withdraw your paper. We frequently receive requests to publish images from our site, and in the case of scientific research, we always grant permission.
Dear Bugman,
Thank you so much for your reply. Now things have become clear to me. I would greatly appreciate if you would send me a higher resolution version of the two photos (if this is possible). My Email is: martin.nyffeler@unibas.ch Thanks!
Kind Regards,
Martin
Dear Bugman,
Thank you so much for your reply. Now things have become clear to me. I would greatly appreciate if you would send me a higher resolution version of the two photos (if this is possible). My Email is: martin.nyffeler@unibas.ch Thanks!
Kind Regards,
Martin
Hi,
I just find this page by pure chance, and I’m glad to read/see pictures and name of this Mantis. I found on of this Mantis in the cloudy forest next to Monteverde (Santa Helena ?) in Costa Rica in 2009, the one picture posted on the French forum.
I tried to identify for a long time without success, and finally here it is.
Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures.
Alex
I just found a cocoon that looks identical to that one in sw Virginia. It was attatched to my garage. It is now October and whatever built it it alive and very active when handled.
Subject: Photos of praying mantis devouring a hummingbird
To: Daniel Marlos
Dear Daniel,
some time ago, I contacted you with regard to a scientific manuscript I was in the process of preparing. You then granted me permission to use Randy Anderson’s photos (depicting a praying mantis devouring a hummingbird) in my forthcoming scientific paper. Of course “What’s that bug” and Randy Anderson are credited for it. This manuscript (which has been written in collaboration with two professors from US universities) will be published in the June issue of the scientific magazine “Wilson Journal of Ornithology”. In the attachment you find the first page of the paper (see attached document). In this paper one of Randy Anderson’s photos will be included. As soon as the paper will be available online, you will receive a copy of the paper in its full length (PDF). The Media Department of the University of Basel intends to issue a press release on this publication. For the purpose of this press release the University of Basel would like to post several photos of “bird-eating praying mantises” on the University’s internet website. Is it okay with you if the University of Basel is using Randy Anderson’s photo(s)? Randy Anderson and “What’s that bug” will of course be given full credit for this. I would greatly appreciate if you would give me a feedback very soon!
Thank you very much for your time and support!
Kind regards,
Martin
PD Dr. Martin Nyffeler
Senior Lecturer in Zoology
University of Basel
Section of Conservation Biology
St. Johanns-Vorstadt 10
CH-4056 Basel
Switzerland
Thanks Martin,
We look forward to receiving the pdf in the future and we hope we will be able to post a link to it on our site.
Subject: Photos of praying mantis devouring a hummingbird
To: Daniel Marlos
Dear Daniel,
some time ago, I contacted you with regard to a scientific manuscript I was in the process of preparing. You then granted me permission to use Randy Anderson’s photos (depicting a praying mantis devouring a hummingbird) in my forthcoming scientific paper. Of course “What’s that bug” and Randy Anderson are credited for it. This manuscript (which has been written in collaboration with two professors from US universities) will be published in the June issue of the scientific magazine “Wilson Journal of Ornithology”. In the attachment you find the first page of the paper (see attached document). In this paper one of Randy Anderson’s photos will be included. As soon as the paper will be available online, you will receive a copy of the paper in its full length (PDF). The Media Department of the University of Basel intends to issue a press release on this publication. For the purpose of this press release the University of Basel would like to post several photos of “bird-eating praying mantises” on the University’s internet website. Is it okay with you if the University of Basel is using Randy Anderson’s photo(s)? Randy Anderson and “What’s that bug” will of course be given full credit for this. I would greatly appreciate if you would give me a feedback very soon!
Thank you very much for your time and support!
Kind regards,
Martin
PD Dr. Martin Nyffeler
Senior Lecturer in Zoology
University of Basel
Section of Conservation Biology
St. Johanns-Vorstadt 10
CH-4056 Basel
Switzerland
Hello! I’m a reporter with the website Live Science, and I’m writing an article about Dr. Nyffeler’s study. Could we please use Mr. Anderson’s photos to accompany the article, with attribution to WhatsThatBug.com and the photographer?
Thanks and best regards,
Mindy Weisberger
Senior Writer, Live Science
Hello! I’m a reporter with the website Live Science, and I’m writing an article about Dr. Nyffeler’s study. Could we please use Mr. Anderson’s photos to accompany the article, with attribution to WhatsThatBug.com and the photographer?
Thanks and best regards,
Mindy Weisberger
Senior Writer, Live Science
Hi Mindy,
You have permission to use these images for your article. Please credit Randy Anderson and indicate the images are courtesy of http://www.whatsthatbug.com.
Dear bugman,
I would also like to use this picture to report about Dr. Nyffeler’s study on the homepage of our bioscientific magazine http://www.biospektrum.de. Is this possible? We would of course credit Mr. Anderson and WhatsThatBug.com.
Thank you very much and best regards,
Anna-Maria Huber, BIOspektrum
Dear bugman,
I would also like to use this picture to report about Dr. Nyffeler’s study on the homepage of our bioscientific magazine http://www.biospektrum.de. Is this possible? We would of course credit Mr. Anderson and WhatsThatBug.com.
Thank you very much and best regards,
Anna-Maria Huber, BIOspektrum
Yes you may use the image.
Hi,
My name is Rodrigo Rivas, currently I work in Naturalia, A.C.
Naturalia, A.C. is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 (in México), whose mission is to develop projects promoting the conservation of species and ecosystems in Mexico, through environmental education and field activities.
One of Naturalia’s Environmental Education projects is Especies, Magazine on Conservation and Biodiversity. This publication seeks to allow people to know wildlife in our country and the importance of its conservation; it has been in distribution, nation-wide every three months, for the last fifteen years.
In the next edition we are preparing a article about hummingbirds. In order to properly illustrate the section, we are considering your excellent photos if possible. The credit for the pictures will be published exactly as you request: Full Name, Alias, Last Name, etc…
We will send a link to download the article with the published photograph.
My mail is: diseno@naturalia.org.mx
To download our last edition
http://www.revistaespecies.ga
Thank you in advance for your support.
Best Regards,
Hi,
My name is Rodrigo Rivas, currently I work in Naturalia, A.C.
Naturalia, A.C. is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 (in México), whose mission is to develop projects promoting the conservation of species and ecosystems in Mexico, through environmental education and field activities.
One of Naturalia’s Environmental Education projects is Especies, Magazine on Conservation and Biodiversity. This publication seeks to allow people to know wildlife in our country and the importance of its conservation; it has been in distribution, nation-wide every three months, for the last fifteen years.
In the next edition we are preparing a article about hummingbirds. In order to properly illustrate the section, we are considering your excellent photos if possible. The credit for the pictures will be published exactly as you request: Full Name, Alias, Last Name, etc…
We will send a link to download the article with the published photograph.
My mail is: diseno@naturalia.org.mx
To download our last edition
http://www.revistaespecies.ga
Thank you in advance for your support.
Best Regards,
Dear Rodrigo,
Though WTB? does not own the copyright on the image, our submission form does allow us to grant permission to use images from our site to educational publications and non-profit organizations. We will forward the higher resolution images to you.
Please credit: Randy Anderson, Biggsville, Illinois.
Image courtesy of http://www.whatsthatbug.com
we just found a cocoon on our wire plant support it hatched out yesterday and has the most beautiful wing coloration on it, we were hoping it was the hummingbird moth, but we think it is something different, it has brown as the overall color, with large droplets of beige on the wings. It is beautiful!!!
What you call “preying mantis” is actually praying mantis.
We understand the homonym you cite is more popular, but we maintain we have seen mantids “prey” but we have never seen a mantis “praying” so we prefer to use the word that most accurately describes the act. You may read more about our position by reading this posting from our archives.