Praying Mantis

I purchased Praying Mantis Pods about 4 weeks ago. The first three weeks I placed them on the deck out of direct sunlight, in a large glass jar with a piece of nylon netting secured with a rubber band. The packaging said two to six weeks for the pods to hatch once exposed to warm weather. I had to travel last week, so I laid the jar on its side, removed the nylon netting, and placed them under the large tomato plants. I've checked on them and see no change and have not seen any praying mantis in the garden. What have others experienced with hatching time? I'm in Wichita, KS. I've ordered lacewings and they are on their way. I've abstained from using anything on the plants - hand picking off some annoying cucumber beetles. I really need these little guys to eat them! When should I think about getting another batch? Thanks

I haven't ordered praying mantis, but a friend of mine has, he said there were 3 hatchings from the one cocoon.

Do you recall how long they took to hatch? I've never done this before either.

carrie.draher wrote:Do you recall how long they took to hatch? I've never done this before either.

I think he mentioned that it was over a period of a few weeks.

Late last week, each of our 4 pods "gift" was placed in a corner of the back yard. Hope they hatch soon!

I bought one too, still waiting for it to hatch, been out there for almost two weeks!

I need to look into purchasing some as well, however, I ususally see praying mantises (sp?) in the garden every summer.

Concerning hatching, from what I've read 2-3 weeks. The eggs should have been cold hardened prior to purchase and shipping (the eggs need to be placed in a fridge for several weeks in order to hatch).

Two of the pods we placed have hatched!

We thought they were Mosquitoes at first but upon closer scrutiny we confirmed their identity.
Here's how they look.


There are hundreds of 'em, and it appears they're cannibalistic!
Now to see how many survive and grow.

Yes it is common for them to eat their first meal - siblings

I am still waiting for mine to hatch... Thanks for posting a pic, now I know what to look for!

Mine are finally hatching!!! yay I hope, lol. I noticed the little bird house for them, should I make sure mine have a house too?

cheyannarach wrote:Mine are finally hatching!!! yay I hope, lol. I noticed the little bird house for them, should I make sure mine have a house too?

If you separate them, distributing them around your garden, you'll wind up with more. When they are young, they are their own worst enemies! Cannibals, you know...

Picturing chasing praying mantis babies I found one on my broccoli bed a couple of days ago! Fast little squirts and they don't like their pictures taken!

It was carrying a grub and was still fast!

That's wonderful, they are so cute!

cheyannarach wrote:... I noticed the little bird house for them, should I make sure mine have a house too?

The bird house was a convenient, cool, dry, protected place for one of the pods to hatch.