Gall or what?
Location: Marana, AZ
January 30, 2012 4:12 pm
Mr. Bugman,
I have about 3 or 4 of these things in my tree out back. At first I thought they were some sort of chrysalis, but after having one break off and upon further examination, I have no idea what this thing is. After hours of research, I’m thinking this may be a gall of some sort, but I still have not a clue as to what caused it. Even if it is a gall, it still resembles a nest of some sort. However, it’s only about 1/2” long. So many questions, and absolutely no answers!
P.S. I like the zipper design along the front, which is part of why I’m so confused as to the classification of this object. Those are holes leading straight inwards. I’m afraid to dissect it, though, without knowing what it is.
Signature: Myssiing in Marana
Dear Myssiing,
This is the ootheca or egg case of a Preying Mantis. The female expels a soft, frothy substance at the time she lays eggs, and it hardens into the ootheca. The Ootheca protects the eggs from the elements while the young develop.