| The Praying Mantis, because of its appearance and attitudes, is a fascinating insect. It is strictly carnivorous and feeds on almost any insect of a size it can overcome. Praying mantis egg casings are harvested in their natural environment. The female deposits her eggs in the fall in a frothy secretion that hardens and protects them from predators and severe winter climates. The praying mantis egg casings are attached to twigs, leaves, fences, etc. and may contain 50 to 400 eggs with an average of about 200 praying mantis eggs in each casing.
Upon hatching in the spring the young crawl from between tiny flaps in the casing and hang from silken threads about two inches below the casing. The young praying mantis disperses from the casings into the vegetation leaving little evidence of their appearance. This happens within an hour or two and it is very difficult to know hatching has occurred unless the elusive, well-camouflaged young praying mantis is found. The Praying Mantis is a must for organic gardening!
** Availabe January - June
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