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Stagmomantis carolina
Mantis eggs are typically deposited in a frothy mass that is produced by glands in the female's 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. As in related insect groups, mantises go through three stages of metamorphosis: egg, nymph, and adult (mantises are among the hemimetabolic insects). The nymph and adult insect are structurally quite similar, except that the nymph is smaller and has no wings or functional genitalia. The nymphs are also sometimes colored differently from the adult, and the early stages are often mimics of ants. A mantis nymph increases in size (often changing its diet as it does so) by replacing its outer body covering with a sturdy, flexible exoskeleton and molting when needed. This can happen from five to ten times, depending on the species. After the final molt most species have wings, though some species are wingless or brachypterous ("short-winged"), particularly in the female sex.
3/4" long hard egg case on one of our planters. This is the second egg case I have found this year, the other was more attractive -http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7699015
6 Comments
Thank you Mr G!
Looks like Stagmomantis carolina.
This one is actually just under the lip of a fiberglass planter! I saw many mantids hanging out in the borders nearby preying on the butterflies that were attracted to the marigolds in the summer & I accidentally disturbed a pair mating when I was watering one night!
I've seen these here in CO, and when we lived in AZ, but never on rocks. Cool!
Neither did I at first! I've found 3 recently of different sizes & colors. We do get a lot of mantids round here so I guess I shouldn't be surprised!
I've actually seen alot of these, but i never knew they were mantis egg pods!