European Mantis Ooths

[ams2431]

I went looking for some ootheca at a friends house. I found lots of 'em. It doesn't look like any of them have eggs in them. But if they do can anyone let me know?

Found a visitor

Cheers,

Ams

 

[CosbyArt]

@ams2431 It looks promising for two of them, in the photo top row third from the left - and the last row second from the right (this one looks new). If you could provide better/closer photos of those two it would show if they are unhatched ooths or not for sure.

 

[ams2431]

Sure, I just left to drop of some guests. I'll send you close-ups in about 40 mins

 

[ams2431]

 

[ams2431]

The one on the top of the photo feels a bit heavier then the other egg cases.

 

[ams2431]

It may be a case of parthenogenetic egg case. Where only one or a couple mantis come out. 

 

[Rick]

Some of those are unhatched. 

 

[ams2431]

Which ones?

 

[CosbyArt]

The one on top appears to be a new unhatched ooth, the 2nd appears to have hole/openings but likely just folds of the ooth so it is likely unhatched too.

From your original photo too, the last one on the top row is likely unhatched as well.

The ooths that are dark like the ones in the original photo in the middle row are old ooths, they are dried out and discolored. Any that have the middle hatching area that is lighter than the rest of the ooth are newer ooths, and possibly unhatched. As it seems there are several that are good, without being able to inspect each one personally, I would suggest you incubate those to be sure.

Any of the old ooths should be placed in a mesh container by themselves. As there is a chance some may hatch mantids (it's happened to us all) as they may be good. Also with older ooths other wildlife has found the ooths a good place to move into/lay eggs so they may have other things in them as well. The mesh/vented container will keep anything inside in case something hatches as they are exposed to the warmer indoor temps.

So from the original photo in your first post I would suggest incubating any from the top row, and the one from the bottom row second from the right, as those should have mantid nymphs waiting to get out. Congrats on your search.

 

[ams2431]

How should I go about incubating them?

 

[ams2431]

How should I keep them warm and should I let them go through diapause first?

 

[CosbyArt]

How should I go about incubating them?

See my post here...

How should I keep them warm and should I let them go through diapause first?

Most species that do diapause can be successfully hatched without it (Tenodera sinensis, Stagmomantis carolina, etc), however though with the European Mantis (Mantis religiosa) I found in the care sheet that without diapause of at least 6 to 8 weeks the nymphs that do hatch are much weaker and do not do as well.

So you are better off continuing their diapause longer, by placing the ooths in a fridge or back outside somewhere safe - either way placing each ooth in it's own 2oz container with one small hole in the lid is the normal procedure.

 

[ams2431]

Is it better to put them in the fridge or outside? Or does it not matter.

 

[CosbyArt]

Is it better to put them in the fridge or outside? Or does it not matter.

I keep them in my bug mini fridge (fly pupae, ooths, pillbug vegetables, etc) at about 40-45F (4-7C) so I know they are safe from excess moisture (causing mold, which destroys ooths) and neighbor dogs outside. Of course if you don't have a fridge, then outside works just as well, just put them somewhere they are safe.

 

[ams2431]

Thank you so much for all the information you've given me. ?

 

[ams2431]

You have been very helpful.

Thanks!

 

[CosbyArt]

You have been very helpful.

Thanks!

Your welcome, and if you have any other questions just ask.