babies are hatching ! its about 2 weeks earlier than last year, definitely the crazy weather. About 100-200 babies emerge from each cocoon. I get about 10 cocoons every year - so survival rate not that high. I mostly keep all cocoons together because its "safer" for them. One year I found jumping spiders, about 10, feasting on the young as they emerged.
I spread these around to neighbours' yards/gardens - basically wherever I can. I get these every year after buying 3 cocoons on the internet a few years ago. I have to be careful not to use insecticides in the garden as it kills the prey, as well as the mantis.
Upside - no insects as these are voracious killing machines. Downside - the adults are capable of killing huge butterflies and bumblebees....and they don't touch Japanese beetles.
unfortunately the photo is a bit blurry. There are 2 on the twig and a couple on the soil..
Pray Mantis
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