how long can you store a ootheca

[mikaila31]

I have 2 pair of Chinese preying mantis that i'm hopeing to breed. I want to put the otheca in the fridge during winter. I'm sure they will be fine, but what is the longest amount of time they can spend in the fridge?

 

[Ian]

Welcome to the forum. I have never tried or experimented with this before...simply becuase it would take so long! The longest period I would imagine you need to refrigerate them would be until next Spring/Summer. If you wanted longer, then you may as well just collect another batch of wild caught ootheca in the Autumn.

 

[Rick]

Welcome. Please make your introduction in the introductions forum. I don't think the fridge is the best place for ootheca. A short time is ok but keeping them there for an extended amount of time would not be good for them.

 

[yen_saw]

You can keep the chinese ooth in the fridge for up to three months in an air-tight container to make sure the moisture does not dry up too quickly. Otherwise, leave it outdoor if the weather is cold enough to work as a natural "incubator".

 

[mikaila31]

I'm trying to find the best way to store it during winter and hatch it next summer. So you think it would be better outside than in the fridge?

 

[yen_saw]

If you put the ooth in the fridge right now, you can bring the ooth out in December when the weather is cold enough and leave it outside your house in a cold spot. It will probably hatch early spring instead of summer.