My Chinese Mantis just laid her oothecae

[dgerndt]

My wild-caught Chinese Mantis just laid her ootheca a few days ago, and I have some questions. The ootheca was left inside her cage with several crickets, and I fear that they nibbled away at the foamy case and exposed the eggs. I removed the stick and ootheca as soon as it was dry and my mantis left her perch. I'm not sure if she was even fertilized by a male before she was caught. Is there a way to tell by looking at her ootheca? Also, I can't take care of all of her nymphs, so I want them to hatch in the spring. They won't survive the cold Michigan winter. How long should I put her ootheca in the fridge? I bought a plastic container to house it while in the fridge. Should I screw the lid on? Should I poke holes in the plastic container? Do I still need to mist the container while it's in my fridge? How cold can the ootheca get before it will hurt the eggs? Would it be better to put the ootheca out in my shed for the winter?

I'm sorry for so many questions. I've had a really hard time finding any good and reliable information on any mantids, let alone the specific needs of a Chinese Mantis. And tips or fristhand experience would be very much appreciated as well. Thank you for reading and any help you may provide.

 

[guapoalto049]

It would be most convenient for you to just put it outside! I often put my Chinese oothecae in the garden out back. I feel that this is the best way to do it, since they have plenty of ventilation and water. Just make sure its in a relatively safe spot, not just tossed on the ground.

I really do not think there is a way to determine if the eggs are fertile or not. I imagine the ferilized eggs would be slightly heavier, but you would probably need an equally sized oothecae to compare it to.

Best of luck!

 

[Jesskb]

They will be fine outside. We have tons of Chinese mantids here in MI. Unless you're far north, like the U.P. you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[dgerndt]

Thank you so much for your help, everyone. I think I'll just put her ootheca out in my shed for the winter.

 

[Rick]

Make sure that shed doesn't get too warm. Even slightly warmer temps from the sun can cause those to hatch. Find a good looking bush or shrub and secure the ooth there and let nature take its course.