NATURAL ENEMIES
Picture of Praying Mantid Adult
Adult

Picture of Praying Mantid Egg Sac
Egg Sac

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Praying Mantid

Description:
Several mantid species occur in Texas. Adults are green to grayish brown, have well developed wings and may reach 2 to 3 inches in length. Egg masses of common Texas species such as the Carolina mantid are rectangular in shape, usually about 1 inch long and 3/8 inches wide and tall with rounded sides. An egg mass contains dozens of eggs that are encased in a frothy material produced by the female that hardens into a foam-like material which is tan or occasionally white on top with darker sides.

Benefit:
Predaceous on insects.

Life cycle:
In the fall, female mantids oviposit eggs on twigs, vines and other sites such as under eves of homes. Eggs hatch in the spring. Nymphs develop through several wingless instars before becoming sexually mature winged adults. Only 1 generation is produced per year.