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pdoyle23323 Chesapeake, VA(Zone 7b) Oct 16, 2006

I found one of these in my flowerbed. I broke the stem it was one but laid it back in there hoping it will hatch. I just read that they hatch in spring when it warms up. Will they be ok since I broke the branch they were laid on and it has died?
Dawn

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Magpye NW Qtr, AR(Zone 6a) Oct 16, 2006

No mantid 'authority', Dawn ..

.. but, considering that winters' winds, weight, and other woes (temps, snow, ice, etc.) surely affects the branches of plants, etc. - I'd venture to say that you've done no harm in any way, & the mantid case is fine. Everything will be jes dandy .. come the Spring warmth.

- Magpye

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pdoyle23323 Chesapeake, VA(Zone 7b) Oct 16, 2006

Thanks, I have it in a spot where I can check on it. But I got to thinking, it was going to get cold soon and wondered when it hatched. I googled and read it wouldn't be until spring. Man, that's a long time to wait! This year was the first time I saw a lot of these in my yard. They say thats a good sign. I don't know though, I would hate to see one of them get a hold of my hummingbirds. They wouldn't do that but once...!
Dawn

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raydio Bessemer City, NC(Zone 7b) Dec 14, 2006

It may be late spring to early summer before they hatch outdoors.

I don't remember the exact temperature and period length, but temps must stay warm (above a certain temperature) for a certain period of time for the eggs to hatch. It's a natural mechanism to help the little ones not get frozen by a late frost and helps assure there are insects about, ready to be eaten. Yum!

Warning: The eggs will hatch indoors due to the heat, but don't be tempted to allow this if you can't care for them until summer! They will surely die outdoors. Keep the egg case outside.

Robert.

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pdoyle23323 Chesapeake, VA(Zone 7b) Dec 14, 2006

Robert, I've left the egg case where I found it. We have had some really cold weather. I guess the case is made for that? They stay in the case for that long? I found it towards the end of summer.

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raydio Bessemer City, NC(Zone 7b) Dec 14, 2006

Yes, they over-winter through freezes with no problem. They will not hatch outdoors till it's warm next spring-summer (depending on zone.) I'm in 7b too, and it seemed to take forever last year, but once the nights were warm, out they came.

Isn't that a little miracle?

Robert.

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pdoyle23323 Chesapeake, VA(Zone 7b) Dec 14, 2006

I really is a miracle. Nature is a true gift.

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kbaumle Northwest, OH(Zone 5b) Dec 27, 2006

I wouldn't worry about them, either. I just found several of these on our spirea bushes, and I thought they could be praying mantis egg cases, which was confirmed for me in another thread. We had lots of praying mantises last year, so it looks like we'll have plenty again next year! YAY!

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