Each egg case can contain 50-200 nymphs. Can take up to 6 weeks to hatch.
Praying Mantis Egg Cases are seasonal and normally available from November to June/July.
TARGET PESTS
Crickets, Grasshoppers, Moths, Locusts, Caterpillars, Cockroaches, & more.
DESCRIPTION
Scientific Name: Tenodera aridifolia sinensis
Praying mantises are known for their distinctive appearance and generalist predatory behavior on a variety of garden pests such as aphids, flies, mosquitoes, beetles, and caterpillars. They have elongated bodies, triangular heads, powerful front legs, and can range in size from 1-6 inches or more.
These skilled hunters often ambush their prey with stealth and precision under a camouflage of green, brown, or a combination of hues depending on their natural surroundings.
During the late summer or early fall, female praying mantises lay 50-200 eggs in a frothy substance that hardens into a protective case. The egg case is attached to twigs, branches, or other surfaces where it is sheltered through winter.
The eggs begin to develop when temperatures rise in spring and early summer, hatching after 4-6 weeks of consistent temperatures of 70°F or more. For best results, ensure optimal humidity so the egg case stays moist, but not overly wet.
Young nymphs resembling wingless adults emerge and disperse within an hour of hatching. They actively seek out prey suitable to their size as they grow into juveniles through several molting stages, gradually developing into adults with fully formed wings and preying on larger insects.
Adults may live for several months or up to a year depending on environmental conditions.
TEMPERATURE
40-104°F
INTRODUCTION RATES
1 Egg Case per 1,500 sq. ft.
It's important to note that these release rates serve as general guidelines and may vary based on the specific pest species, the crop or plant being treated, and level of infestation. Proper monitoring of the infestation and the subsequent effectiveness of the released beneficial insect population is crucial for determining the success of the biological control strategy.
HOW TO RELEASE:
INDOORS
- Place in a warm area, out of direct sunlight in original packaging.
- Wait up to 6 weeks for hatching in temperatures of 70°F or more.
- Once hatched, introduce directly on plants, under cover to protect from predators.
- Introduce within 24hrs of hatching.
OUTDOORS
- Place egg case in crotch of plant or hang with string 1-2 feet off ground in canopy of leaves.
- Wait up to 6 weeks for hatching in temperatures of 70°F or more.
- All nymphs will emerge and disperse within an hour of hatching, and the egg case does not visually change, so you may not be able to tell when hatching occurs.
STORAGE
Hatching can take up to 6 weeks with consistent temperatures of 70°F or higher.
PRO TIPS:
Proper identification of the pest species is important. Monitoring the crop closely and introducing mantids insects early will help to control pest populations.
Pesticides, even wetting agents, and spreader-stickers may adversely affect survival rates for all beneficial insects. Broad spectrum and systemic insecticides are toxic and will harm all beneficial insects.
