Sometimes telling the gender of an insect is super easy. If it's actively laying eggs, it's pretty safe to assume it's female!
As to her choice of location... not the greatest. I was trying to get some edging put in around a flower bed, but didn't succeed- I think it's been rolled too long, it wouldn't cooperate. Anyway, I was going to throw it in the shed for winter, but discovered it was in use.
Questions in the comments lead me to add that the eggs are encased in that tan foamy stuff. It hardens into something that feels a little bit like styrofoam, and is easy to recognize as a mantis egg case.
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how interesting. Odd looking eggs but very interesting
ReplyDeleteVERY cool! I believe the eggs are inside the foam. The foam will harden and will protect the eggs from the elements. I think after it dries, you can move it safely. I put mine in the shed for the winter and moved it to a place in the spring where I would notice them hatching.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the babies!!
I'm glad you like this stuff as much as I do, Sharkey.
Neat pics. I enjoy watching them.
ReplyDeleteWas it her husband who, in the midst of an argument said, "Well, you don't have to bite my head off."?
Ann- see extra text I added in the main blog post
ReplyDeleteLin- I'll try to catch them come spring. Last year I had an egg case on the kitchen steps, but I didn't manage to be there before they all disappeared one day.
Chuck- haha, pretty funny
Wonderful photos of a perfectly beautiful creature! And, yes … there is no question of gender here.
ReplyDeleteJust this past Saturday I was at an event where I was walking across an open grassy are with a friend … and she spotted a praying mantis. Knowing that the grounds would soon be filled with folk, we picked her up (she quickly crawled up my arm and into my hair!) and brought her to safe ground at a hedgerow. :)
That is so interesting. I guess they aren't too choosy where they lay eggs. Wonder how many of them survive!
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