This egg case is called an ootheca. A single female mantis may produce several oothecae (the plural of ootheca) after mating just once. Praying mantises typically lay their eggs in late summer or fall, and the young develop within the ootheca over the winter months.

What are praying mantis eggs?

A praying mantis egg case is called an ootheca (pronouned oh-uh–THEE-kuh). The plural is oothecae (oh-uh-THEE-see). The ootheca was produced by a female praying mantis last fall. She laid her eggs in this foam of protein that hardened around a stick and protected the eggs through the winter.

Can I buy praying mantis eggs?

Praying mantis egg cases are now being sold in many locations. The eggs are easy to hatch allowing you to add this natural pest control system to your garden.