Praying Mantis: Arm Your Yard
Have you ever wished for a peaceful warrior in your yard? The Praying Mantis (Tenodera sinensis) may just be the pest terminator you’re looking for. This insect stands a whopping 5 inches tall at maturity, equipped with wings that are rarely used; this insect prefers to hunt its prey. This stylish insect is tan with a green line down its side and a triangular head that can swivel like a turret, tracking prey like a heat-seeking missile.
Praying mantises are the ultimate ambush predators. They’re like the James Bonds of the insect realm, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Mantises do not go after prey items that are larger than themselves, so there’s no fear of feeling the bite of these backyard warriors. You can spot these little commandos in urban gardens, agricultural fields, and just about any open space near your cozy human habitat. They’re like the neighborhood watch of the insect world, patrolling the greenery around your house.
Now, while the Chinese praying mantis is not your typical troublemaker, it’s been chilling in North America since 1896, making it a true OG. Despite its foreign roots, it’s not causing any economic havoc or munching on your precious crops. It’s more like an old friend who dropped by for a visit and decided to stick around.
If you are brave enough to hatch praying mantis egg cases indoors, here are some important tips:
- Choose a Suitable Container: The container should be at least 32 oz with vented lids. Venting allows proper airflow.
- Egg Placement: Place the egg into the container with the gills facing downward. The egg case should be hung to allow the mantises to easily disperse from the egg once hatching has started.
- Maintain Proper Humidity: A few moistened paper towels in the bottom of the container can help with humidity. The egg case should be misted daily. The ideal humidity for hatching praying mantis eggs is generally in the range of 50% to 70% relative humidity (RH). Maintaining the proper humidity is important to avoid the drying-out of the embryos, which is crucial for successful hatching. This level of humidity may require misting once or even twice per day, and it’s essential to monitor the humidity daily, as these creatures are fairly sensitive to extremes and dehydration.
- Controlled Temperature: The warmer it is, the faster the egg case may hatch.
- At 70°F, it can take 12 weeks to hatch.
- At 80°F, it can take 6 weeks to hatch.
- Egg Case Hatching: Once the egg case starts to hatch, it is important to offer food within 24 hours to prevent them from eating each other. You can also separate the baby mantises into individual containers.
Praying Mantis (General Predator) taking order in March for 2027
