What Should I Do with a Praying Mantis Egg Case?

It's finally here - your Carolina Mantis Insect Lore Egg Case has arrived! Now that it's here, you'll need to learn all the tips and tricks needed to care for it. Luckily we're here to help! Read on to make the most of your Insect Lore Praying Mantis STEM experience - learning how to handle them, care for them, observe their behavior and more! 

What Does a Praying Mantis Egg Sack Look Like?

At first glance, it's easy to overlook a Praying Mantis egg case in the wild! A praying mantis egg case, called an ootheca, is a foam-like structure that hardens into a firm, protective casing. Usually grey or light brown, it has a spongy or "styrofoam" texture which later becoming tougher and more like paper. It is often shaped like an uneven ball, or a "football" shape in the case of the Carolina Mantis. 

Where Are Praying Mantis Eggs Found?

Most oothecae measure about 1–2 inches long and are securely attached to surfaces such as branches, tall grasses, fences, or siding. They contain hundreds of eggs packed within the insulating foam, which helps regulate temperature and shield the developing "nymphs" (baby mantises) from predators and harsh weather. Egg cases are commonly found attached to sturdy, upright surfaces that offer protection and stability. Luckily, you don't need to go on a wildlife safari to try and find one out in nature: Insect Lore has got you covered! 

Can I Move a Praying Mantis Egg Sack?

Make sure to handle your egg case gently and carefully. Make sure to keep it dry, and avoid exposing it to direct, intense heat. Ensure that they are kept in an indoor location in room temperatures of around 70 degrees. As the egg cases are meant to be above ground level, make sure they are balanced on a Praying Mantis Hatching Plant.

How to Care For Praying Mantis Eggs

The Egg Case is meant to stay inside the Pop-Up Port-A-Bug, as once your mantis nymphs emerge there will be dozens if not hundreds of them! That's why it's important to ensure they stay inside the habitat until you are ready to release them! 

1. Provide a Habitat for Your Mantises

Your praying mantis egg case, or ootheca, will arrive in a clear plastic months and will need a few weeks of warmth in order to hatch. Transfer the egg case to a clean, ventilated habitat that will allow you to clearly see the egg case hatch.

2. Transfer your Egg Case

Your praying mantis egg case has been dormant during the cold winter months and will need a few weeks of warmth in order to hatch. Suspend the egg case in the Hatching Plant Egg Case Holder and place in the habitat. To purchase a Hatching Plant Egg Case Holder visit Insectlore.com. (link to be added later)

Maintain the egg case at room temperature; your tiny nymphs should hatch within 12 weeks. Provide humidity by misting the enclosure (DO NOT MIST THE EGG CASE DIRECTLY) very lightly with water once a week. Dehydration is one of the main reasons nymphs in an egg case will struggle to emerge. Finally, Do not expose your egg case to sunlight or drafts!

3. See Your Mantis Friends Emerge! 

Mother Nature decides when it is time for the egg case to hatch. It usually takes between 3 to 6 weeks for your baby mantises to emerge, but sometimes it may take up to 12 weeks.

Your patience will be rewarded when the nymphs emerge from the egg case. Suddenly, 75 to 200 hatchlings will appear! That's right - there's around 100 on average in each tiny egg case! Do not disturb the habitat while the nymphs are emerging from the egg case.

If the egg case falls or rolls the nymphs can be injured. Do not touch the hatchlings while they are emerging. They are very fragile at this time.

4. Release Your Nymphs

Praying mantises are predators and may threaten each other after they hatch if no other food source is available. The egg case contains dozens of nymphs because their mortality rate is naturally high.

Release the nymphs into your garden soon after emergence. Unzip the habitat and very gently shake the nymphs into the garden, or place the open habitat in the garden to allow the nymphs to leave on their own

Learn more about Praying Mantises with Insect Lore

Insect Lore's Praying Mantis raising kits are more than a life cycle lesson. They're an invaluable educational experience that teaches children, students and adults alike profound lessons of biology, nature, and science while also helping to train teamwork, patience and mindfulness.

It's the perfect screen-free alternative for any parent or teacher ready to give their children an unforgettable learning journey! Check out Insect Lore Praying Mantis Products or visit our Praying Mantis Blog articles to continue your education on the mighty mantis!