Ooth question

[Mystymantis]

So I was wondering, does the shape and or form of the ootheca have any effect on how well it survives the winter? talking about Chinese mantis ootheca. Because I recently had a female Chinese mantis lay her egg case on the side of the net cage, and to pull it off it appears some of the foam was taken off, it kinda seems like the integrity of the ootheca could be slightly damaged. I was wondering if by taking the ootheca off the net cage it breaks the seal, the foam stuff surrounding the eggs inside, and perhaps that is why some of my ootheca don't hatch? because they are over exposed to drying out or things like that when I am overwintering them?  Ootheca that are laid on a stick would have a more normal shape and would have no damage to their integrity because I wouldn't have to take it off the stick. No idea why my female seems to love to lay her eggs on the net cage despite the numerous sticks in her habitat. Just some thoughts on mantis egg cases.

Has anyone done research or done any observations in this? thanks!

 

[Sarah K]

I have removed  many ooths from the side of the mesh cage,  and have found that a little bit of damage does not affect whether or not the ooth hatches, as long as the damage is not to where the eggs themself are located within the ootheca.

 

[Mystymantis]

Ok, thanks so much @Sarah K! That is good to hear that it shouldn't effect the ootheca. The damage is not near the eggs as far as I can tell.