Ootheca above my porch

[itzjustjeff]

I noticed this above my porch today

Is it possibly a ootheca? It's about the size of a usb drive. If it is, is it possible to determine what type of mantis laid it? I'm guessing the lines mean that it already hatched? :/

 

[hibiscusmile]

It is ooth, but I can't tell if it has hatched yet, maybe someone else will be able to, it looks like a carolina ooth.

 

[CoolMantid]

Your in temple city so its a California species. Most likely S. Limbata or S. Californica. I found one the other day. It was smaller that. I recommend that you get a blade and slice the bottom portion of it it if you want to keep it. Good luck

 

[Colorcham427]

cool find!

 

[jcal]

It looks hatched to me. Can you get a closer picture?

 

[itzjustjeff]

how would I go about slicing it? I tried getting it off but that thing is as hard as a rock!

I can't get a closer picture; it's really high and I'm already standing at the top of my ladder

 

[yen_saw]

Looks fresh. Likely S. limbata ooth.

 

[patrickfraser]

If you just noticed it, I'd say it's a good one.

 

[lancaster1313]

I think it looks fresh as well.

 

[CoolMantid]

Get a blade. Try to slice the bottom portion of it so you dont cut any eggs.Its ment to be hard as a rock so it can with stand winter. Be very careful and cut tthe bottom. The closer to the bottom the better.

 

[Idolofreak]

Basically slide the blade underneath the bottom of the ooth and very gently pop it off.

 

[patrickfraser]

It is probably on there real good, if what it's laid on is porous. Be careful. Maybe give it a while. It's meant to withstand weather and might be easier to remove after a little.

 

[agent A]

what if he just attached a vented container on the ceiling so the nymphs hatch directly into it? would that work?

just an idea

 

[Rick]

It has NOT hatched. That is a very fresh ooth. You can tell by the color. It should pop right off with something thin and flat inserted underneath of it. And Stagmomantis sp. for sure.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Took the words right outta my mouth Rick! :tt2:

 

[CoolMantid]

Just be careful, your on a ladder and holding a knife.

 

[itzjustjeff]

not to menton the only ladder we have is older than I am and made of wood...wish me luck everyone! If I'm not in the forums tomorrow please scan the news and explain my strange death...haha

 

[itzjustjeff]

Update:

Alright I got the ooth down. It took off a good chunk of my ceiling. How should I go from here? Should I glue it to a surface and flip it upside down again like I found it?

 

[jcal]

Clearly i was very wrong!

Good find!