Praying Mantis Egg Case: A Beneficial Find

Praying Mantis Egg Case: A Beneficial Find

A brown, Styrofoam-like case on a tulip tree (saucer magnolia) in February was identified as a praying mantis egg case (ootheca). These cases contain dozens of eggs that hatch in April.

Leave It Alone

Mantises are beneficial predators that eat garden pests. They pose no threat to humans. The hatchlings will disperse to hunt insects. Enjoy watching them perch on twigs, waiting for prey.