OothecaYou may come across an ootheca on a winter ramble through the fields and forest, but will you know what it is? This well-camouflaged structure may be found glued to grasses, shrubbery, weedy stems and even tree branches (pines seem to be particularly popular with their makers). When you are on your walk scan these plants for the telltale "bump" of an ootheca.
If you find one, know you have discovered the egg case of a praying mantis. Next year's mantids overwinter as eggs inside the ootheca. In the spring the eggs will hatch, and hundreds of minute baby mantids will emerge from the foam-like case. It may be interesting to keep track of how many you find in a single field. Remember their locations and check them when you happen by in warmer weather. If you are lucky and arrive on their birthday, you may find the tiniest praying mantids you've ever seen.
If you find one, know you have discovered the egg case of a praying mantis. Next year's mantids overwinter as eggs inside the ootheca. In the spring the eggs will hatch, and hundreds of minute baby mantids will emerge from the foam-like case. It may be interesting to keep track of how many you find in a single field. Remember their locations and check them when you happen by in warmer weather. If you are lucky and arrive on their birthday, you may find the tiniest praying mantids you've ever seen.
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