refridgerate ootheca?

[scsheaffer]

I live in hot Florida. One of my manti just laid an ootheca. I'm afraid if I keep it outside (or even in the house, they may emerge in the middle of winter. Is it OK to refridgerate? Or should I just leave them out and hope they don't hatch (the wife might file for divorce)

 

[massaman]

if it is a local species of mantis to the US and if your sure the ooth is fertile.As far as I know it dont snow in florida as it should be ok outside as long as its in a area you know well enough and are able to control or limit the predators from getting at the ooth or you can store it in the garage. Maybe invest in a small portable fridge and keep that in the garage and use it just to overwinter common mantis species ooths but its a choice you will probably need to make!

 

[hibiscusmile]

Ditto!

 

[RevWillie]

What kind of mantis - local or non-US?