Product Description

These ferocious looking creatures eat a wide variety of insects: beetles, caterpillars, grubs, aphids, grass-hoppers, almost anything that moves. But they are so much fun that many people buy them for pets. And since they don't fly, they stay right in the area where they are released. Like ladybugs, preying mantids are completely harmless to people, pets, and the environment. RELEASE: Put the egg case in a bush, hedge, limb, or anything more than two feet above the ground. The egg case may be inserted in the fork of a branch or hung with a piece of string or needle and thread run through the outside of the case. Hanging will help keep birds and rodents from eating the eggs in the case. If ants are in the area oiling the string will help keep them away. LIFE CYCLE: Praying Mantids hatch out of their egg case along the seam that looks like louvered windows with some mud packed on top. They hatch in the Spring when the weather warms, the warmer the temperature, the sooner they hatch. Unlike most insects the Mantids do not hatch as larvae, they emerge as miniature adults, about half an inch long. They will grow through the Spring and Summer until they reach a length of 5 to 6 inches, shedding their skins several times. While most insects are constantly searching for food, Mantids are content to stay in one area and wait for their food to walk by and then grab it with their strong forelegs. This is why they are good to use early in the season, before there are pest problems, and use other insects after pests arrive.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #100564 in Lawn & Patio
• Brand: Hirts: Beneficial Insects

Features

• Eat a wide variety of insects; beetles, caterpillars, grubs, aphids, grasshoppers & more
• Tend to stay in the area where released.
• Harmless to people and pets!
• Harmless to the environment!

Customer Reviews

praying mantids
I ordered these egg cases to put a little security surveillance on a weeping cherry tree that was almost destroyed by Japanese beetles last year. I went on a trip for 2 weeks, and when I got back I had tiny little praying mantids all over the tree. Can't wait to see what happens when those beetles show up this year!

Don't order from Hirt's!
I purchased the praying mantis egg cases for my daughter. We put them into our mantis habitat and patiently waited for the babies to "hatch". Apparently I was sent duds because the babies never came. What a disappointment for my daughter. When I contacted the seller, the customer service was horrible and they would not acknowledge my problem. Do not order from this seller!!!!!! There are many other places to order praying mantis egg cases.

excellent product
The egg cases arrived in good condition and I have found many baby praying mantids in my yard!