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oothecae
An ootheca is a type of egg mass made by any member of a variety of species (usually insects or mollusks).An ootheca usually contains many eggs surrounded by a foam of protein which may then harden into a tough casing for protection. Notable ootheca-making insects are the mantis and cockroach.
The female lays between 10 and 400 eggs, depending on the species. Eggs are typically deposited in a frothy mass that is produced by glands in the abdomen. This froth then hardens, creating a protective capsule with a further protective coat, and the egg mass is called an ootheca. Depending on the species these can be attached to a flat surface, wrapped around a plant or even deposited in the ground. Despite the versatility and durability of the eggs, they are often preyed on, especially by several species of parasitic wasps. In a few species, the mother guards the eggs.
9 Comments
Not very sure Emma.. The photo is not very clear.. Normally, once the mantis builds this the casing turns brown in color into a hard case..
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/789...
Anjali in this spotting picture number two shows the picture of something left behind by a praying mantis . It is less than 1 cm long. Is this an ootheca?
@ Karen : How nice you can now monitor diff stages..Lucky u !, @ Atul, ThePineappleman... Thank you..
wow really cool
cool !!!
cool !!!
I have found a few of these in my Tennessee garden too!
Thanks, Satyen ...
Lovely spotting and great info Anjali. Thanks for sharing.