The fascinating praying mantis (Tenodera aridifolia sinensis) gets its name from its motionless raised front legs, which it uses to hold its prey. A ferocious predator, it will attack just about any insect in its path; unfortunately this includes other beneficial insects.
Praying mantis egg cases usually take two to three weeks of warm temperatures to hatch. The tiny mantises force themselves through the narrow slits of the eggs and immediately disperse into the foliage. One egg case will yield approximately 50 to 200 adults. Unless you can find the small nymphs, it is impossible to tell if the eggs have actually hatched. In 5 or 6 months, they reach their full size and females will deposit 1 to 5 egg cases on bushes and flower stalks. The female dies shortly after this. Mantis egg cases overwinter and hatch out in the spring, completing the life cycle. |
