Can Mediterranean nymphs survive an AZ winter?

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Hello!

I just started this hobby when I noticed some beautiful Mediterranean Mantids in my garden. I kept 2 inside for the winter until... .

However, there were about 5-6 egg cases that all hatched in Sept. and October from warm weather. They were in places I could not save them, like walls and trees. I am so sad because there were about 6 frosts in December. I have not seen any nymphs in my yard since. I was hoping they would hide under my house or somewhere warm.

Does anyone know if the baby Mediterranean Mantis can survive outside in the winter with temps of 32 degrees? I am afraid to weed my garden because I keep thinking that maybe they are molting on my weeds.

Where would they molt if they are alive?

Can I weed my garden?

 

[Ranitomeya]

Most temperate species have oothecae that are insulated to protect them from cold weather like frost or even snow so that they can hatch when weather warms enough that the mantids themselves can survive.

If they happen to hatch during the wrong season due to unseasonal temperatures, the resulting mantids will not be able to survive outdoors once the temperatures drop.

Any nymphs you saw in the fall are all most likely dead due to exposure. I would not be too concerned. There are probably oothecae that did not hatch before the temperatures dropped and are overwintering and awaiting warmer conditions.
Go ahead and weed your garden, just keep an eye out for unhatched oothecae.

 

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Thank you! It is sad so many nymphs died!

I did find many unhatched sacs and put them in the fridge because it is getting warm now. Is it ok to put them in the fridge? How long can I keep them there?

How old are Mediterranean Mantids when they become adult and then start laying eggs?

Would it be safe to hatch them in March?

I want them to lay eggs in October or November.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Ranitomeya]

It should be quite safe to hatch them out during the spring once night time temperatures are relatively warm. Egg cases can be stored without much loss in viability for a few months as long as they're kept in a container to prevent them from dessicating in the fridge. Time to adult varies greatly depending on the temperatures and the amount of food they get. There's no way to be sure when they'll become adults.

 

[Orin]

Arizona unicorn mantids do.

 

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Cool. I've never seen a unicorn mantid. That is a beautiful picture. I've seen those tiny brown desert one's here too. They are not as friendly.