Praying Mantid Egg Cases

Tenodera aridifolia

Praying Mantids are collected in the wild and are generally available after Late January.

While supplies last! Orders ship in the order they are received. No future shipments at this time.

Early season shipments will take the longest to hatch - up to 6 weeks. Be patient, keep egg cases warm and check often.

A Fantastic Addition To The Garden Or As A Science Project!

Praying mantids eat a wide variety of pest insects, mites, and insect eggs. Mantis egg cases are commonly released by gardeners looking for general garden pest control without chemicals. They can be instrumental in beginning biological control as part of an integrated pest management program. Young mantids prey upon smaller soft-bodied insects, while adults graduate to larger pests.

How Long Do Praying Mantis Egg Cases Take To Hatch?

Hatching requires at least 10 to 15 days of continuous warm weather (75-80°F, >50% RH) and can take as long as 6 weeks to begin. Once hatching begins, the young mantids emerge looking for something to eat. It takes just a few hours for an egg sack to complete hatching once it begins. Mantids prefer temperatures above 60°F for continued activity in the release area.

How Many Praying Mantids Are In One Egg Case?

Each praying mantis egg case, called ootheca, is collected in the wild and contains between 50–200 individual eggs.

How Many Egg Cases Should I Get?

We recommend using 3 cases every 5,000 sq. ft. or 10-100 cases per acre. It is important to space out each egg case to limit cannibalism rates among newly hatched mantids.

Disclaimer: ARBICO Organics cannot guarantee hatch rates of praying mantid egg cases because they are collected in the wild during the early spring months. We recommend hatching praying mantid egg cases in resealable containers that allow for monitoring; however, cannibalism among mantids increases when they are hatched out and kept in confined environments with limited food sources. Please release immediately after hatching commences for best results. See the "Instructions" tab for more information on hatching mantis egg cases.

This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Aphids, Beetles, Caterpillars, Flies, Grasshoppers, Leafhoppers, Mosquitoes

In order for Praying Mantid egg cases to hatch, they need to be kept at a temperature of 60-80°F. Hatching can take between 2-6 weeks to occur. We recommend indoor hatching so that you can monitor the hatching process. We have found that on top of a refrigerator is a good spot to store them. To slow hatching, you can keep them in their vials in the crisper section of the refrigerator.

How To Hatch Mantis Egg Cases Indoors:

Egg cases will need to be kept tightly closed in a container until they hatch. Either leave them in the vial they arrive in, or place them in a jar (like a pickle jar) with a tight fitting lid. There is plenty of air in mason jars for the egg cases to remain viable. Do not use a plastic bag to hatch mantids.
To monitor hatching on individual cases, place only one egg case per container. Otherwise, you can use a larger jar and put multiples inside.
Observe closely and often. The emerging mantids will need to be released as soon as they start hatching or they will begin to eat each other.
Once you see the hatching, take them to your desired release area and sprinkle them out. You can leave the egg case outside in the event that there are still some mantids inside waiting to hatch.

If you choose to hatch outdoors, the cases and emerging mantids are vulnerable to predators and the weather. Additionally, it is easy to mistake a hatched and abandoned case for an unhatched one. Unless you closely observe the cases many times a day, you may not be aware that they have hatched and left the area. They push out between fibers in the case, which will then close up behind them, leaving no evidence of their departure.

Environment: Outdoors, Vegetable Gardens, HoopHouses, Orchards & Vineyards, Greenhouse, Aquaponics

Storage: Store in a refrigerated environment until hatching is desired. If not releasing immediately, keep in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight. May be refrigerated for several weeks before release. Do not freeze. Optimal conditions for hatching are 60° to 80°F.

2024 Update: Orders are shipped in the order they are received. No future dated shipments at this time.

Praying Mantid Egg Cases are shipped via USPS by default. You may select expedited shipping methods at checkout.
Please account for local environmental conditions in your release area when ordering.

Cannot Be Shipped To: HI,PR,VI,GU,AS,PW

What's In The Package: Each egg case (ootheca) contains between 50-200 developing mantids.

Want to Learn More: Read More from our Dig Deeper Blog:
It's Ootheca Time
5 Cool Things About Praying Mantids
Mantids - So Much More Than Most People Think
Let's Talk Praying Mantids (or is it "Praying Mantises"?).

Reviews

Write a review

OMG!! They're wonderful!

May 26, 2022 | By Nancy J Brown

The praying mantis cases I ordered arrived quickly and in great condition. The instruction were complete and I followed them explicitly and within in the past four days, voila!! I have thousands of baby mantises! They are now happily living in my greenhouse, flower beds and vegetable gardens! What a thrill to watch while they hatched and now I'm waiting for them to do their magic and keep my gardens pest-free!

Can't wait to watch my praying manti grow

May 25, 2022 | By Kacy

I bought ten egg cases late winter. I stored them in my fridge until it was time to start the hatching process. It took a couple of weeks for my egg cases to start hatching. So far 8 of the 10 egg cases have hatched. It's been so cool to watch the praying manti emerge from the egg cases. I have released them around my yard and in my garden. They are surviving because I've seen them around since releasing them. They're starting to get bigger. I can't wait to see them full grown around the house. I would recommend purchasing a bulk amount in case one or two don't hatch. I am still waiting on two cases to hatch. Overall, very pleased.

Fast shipping and great ptoducts

May 23, 2022 | By Jason Hill

My cocoons arrived quickly and undamaged. LET THE FEASTING COMMENCE!

First time hatching mantis eggs!

May 21, 2022 | By Heather Terry

I believe it took about 11 days for my three eggs to hatch because the weather finally got hot outside this year(I live in Louisville, Kentucky). Fast shipping! All three egg sacks hatched and I was thrilled. I moves them outside, and they were still in the general area after a few days. Such cute little baby mantises. Will order from here again.

Connecticut

May 19, 2022 | By Holly

So much fun for us - and our grandchildren!!!! Loved watching them hatch and putting them all over the yard!!

3 mantis egg cases

May 5, 2022 | By Chester G. Thompson

All three hatched out.

Disappointed by the egg case size

May 2, 2022 | By Alex

I have purchased egg cases from a few sites and went back to Arbico this year again. The largest of the ten (10) egg cases was nearly the size of a quarter. Previously, they were the size of half dollars -- Not any more. I am going to be shopping elsewhere from now on.

Owner Response: Hi Alex, It is normal for the size of the ootheca to change from season to season depending on location and weather. And of course, some species have smaller egg cases too!

Still waiting

Apr 29, 2022 | By doug simon

ordered 3 ooths in Feb , all hatched and a good time was had by all. Not 1 , of my 2nd set of 3 , has hatched yet starting to wonder.

60% hatch rate is not great

Apr 27, 2022 | By Lance

So I purchased five praying mantis egg cases (sacs). Only three hatched out of the five, which only 60%. I'm not satisfied.

Owner Response: Hi Lance, We understand your disappointment. Because Praying Mantids are wild collected, we are at the mercy of mother nature for how many actually hatch. Some do take more time than others. I wouldn't give up yet!

Praying Mantis ootheca

Apr 24, 2022 | By Clyde

Still waiting for egg ootheca to hatch. I has only been 4 weeks since receipt.... will give it another 2 or 3 weeks.

A great product!

Apr 24, 2022 | By Jo Ann

Minimal cost for a wonderful outcome. It makes our hearts smile when these praying mantis babies can be seen around our flowers and vegetable garden. We will order every spring as long as you gather them. Thank you so much for this product.

No caterpillars!!

Apr 24, 2022 | By Lauren

This is my 2nd year buying these. Last year, thanks to the mantis, I didn't have any caterpillars eating my cucumbers (always had to spray an organic spray before - didn't like that, even with it being organic) and nothing bothered my tomatoes or peppers. It's a fun experience and they're so cute when they hatch. I bought some for several family member's gardens as well.

10 cases 0 mantids

Apr 23, 2022 | By Lin Hilton

Very disappointed with zero mantids hatching. All instructions were followed and yet nothing. One star as a rating of 0 stars is not available. Most likely will not order for the college from arbico in the future.

Owner Response: Hi Lin, Unfortunately because mantids are wild collected, their viability does vary and can take up to 8 weeks to hatch.

Unhappy

Apr 23, 2022 | By Eileen

We bought 3 egg cases. Nothing has hatched from any of them. I am very disappointed.

Great service!

Apr 23, 2022 | By Michael

The mantids came very quickly and we now wait for hatching

Mantids

Apr 16, 2022 | By Robert Gettings

I purchase them every year. I like seeing them around my home and gardens. And they're friendly too. Pick one up and watch them crawl up your arm. They are fascinating to watch.

So Pleased With My Mantids!

Apr 13, 2022 | By Tracy Wilson

I ordered 10 egg cases and kept them in a climate controlled "nursery" in my house as our weather can be unpredictable in the Spring. I have had 6 cases hatch and it has been so much fun to watch that and then get them out into the yard. I have a 7th that has hatched one mantid today and I expect the rest will pop out in the next hour or so. Again, very pleased with the mantids and will be ordering from Arbico again next year. I have also been sharing on Facebook with my friends and they are all excited about the natural bug control so I think you will get some more customers next season!

PRAYING FOR PRAYING MANTIDS

Apr 12, 2022 | By Ace Vandenack

They didn't hatch last year and they haven't hatched this year yet but it's only been 3 weeks so i'm praying. They did send more predators last year but they were out of Mantids by then.

Always a Joy!

Apr 2, 2022 | By David D Vuich

I have purchased 10 Praying Mantid egg cases every year for the last 4 years and have never been disappointed. It is always a joy to befriend an adult mantid at the end of the season!

Praying Mantid Egg Cases

Apr 1, 2022 | By Francisco J Bohorquez

Received 3 mantid egg cases on 3/9/22. The first one hatched 3/22 and released them outside, have not seen any in days now. The second hatched 3/24 and have them in a large terrarium in my home office. They are doing great, growing exponentially, some are three times bigger than others, definitely becoming more aggressive, voracious with very few instances of cannibalism so far but I keep feeding them lots of wingless fruit flies, will probably have to be separated soon. They are great to watch. No third case to date 4/1.

They Hatched!

Mar 31, 2022 | By Russelle T Young

I looked up and there they were. They were ready to jump out of there container. I would definitely order again I might have to because this weather's been crazy and I don't know if they'll survive in our drop temperatures.

Praying mantis

Mar 25, 2022 | By Russell Correira

Buy, cases every year. Put them out and don't have to think about bugs.

Update: ignore previous review

May 24, 2021 | By Debbie

Good things come to those who wait. When you given up on the mantis sacs, wait twice as long. I have 100's of mantises in my yard right now. I hatched the mantids in an XL butterfly habitat. I misted them daily. It's fun to watch them drink from the screen. And fed them flightless fruit flies. They grew up big and strong as we waited for outside temperatures to warm up to 70's. So many! So happy! Go mantises. I would include a photo if I could.

Praying mantis

May 23, 2021 | By Carolynn Scott

I ordered 3 cases, they came quick and all have hatched and been freed into my yard. Loved it. Several people asked about them, I gave you a glowing recommendation with pictures and I think you'll be getting some orders. I'll order again next year. Thanks, it was fun

A lot of little guys!

May 22, 2021 | By Dillan Butler

Very satisfied with the purchase so far. Got the three egg sacks because we were worried that some wouldn't hatch and so far we've had two of them hatch. There were so many little guys that we probably would've been okay with only one!

7/10

Aug 10, 2020 | By Constance Pride

Only 7 out of the 10 mantis oothecas I ordered hatched, and one of those hatched fewer than 10 insects.. I wasn't expecting them all to be great hatches, but I was hoping for a better hatch rate.

Cases did not open

Jul 2, 2020 | By Virginia Newth

I was very disappointed that none of the cases opened. I will not buy again. These are the only things I have ordered from arbico-organics but I was very disappointed.

Happy!

Jun 17, 2020 | By Joe Primamore

I kept my Mantis eggs in a tall jar with air holes poked in the lid, in a shady part of the yard that received only morning sunlight. They ultimately hatched this morning (on June 17th), and there are at least 100 babies that are now on patrol in the garden! Great experience and I would recommend this to others. Thank you Arbico.

First time buyer

Jun 16, 2020 | By Bill Borra

A Marine on Twitter told me about buying Mantis eggs, said it was the best way to keep pests at bay, specifically from Arbico. As of right now 2 of 3 eggs have hatched and they have started hunting. I'm really excited and looking forward to doing this again every year.

Love it!!

Jun 11, 2020 | By Lori

We have a daycare and ordered 3 praying mantis egg cases. All 3 hatched, at different times so we got to enjoy the action 3 different times!! The children loved watching them crawl around! We are now watching in the yard to see if we can find the adult mantis throughout the summer. Highly recommend as this was the se ond year we have done this and was satisfied each time!!

Praying mantis egg case

Jun 6, 2020 | By Mary ippel

The praying mantis have not hatched yet but the egg Case Look great and we are awaiting the arrival of our little friends. Great company fast shipping

exciting to watch!

Jun 2, 2020 | By Elsie Corbett

Received the 6 praying Mantis cases in a timely manner. Followed directions and on case hatched about 5 days later. the grand kids really got a kick out of it. We are still waiting on the other 5 to hatch....checking them several times a day. Update.... 2 more have hatched!!!! So exciting!Thanks so much!

So much fun

Jun 2, 2020 | By Julie Geesing

One case hatched in a little over a week after receiving. Waiting on the other 2. Lots of babies. So beautiful.

Mantid Cases

Jun 2, 2020 | By Michael Jackson

Sorry to report that no baby Mantis of the three pods I received.

Hatched

Jun 2, 2020 | By Robin Richey

We ordered 3 egg pods. Two of them have just hatched within 2 weeks of purchase. Completely sastisfied.

Praying mantis

Jun 1, 2020 | By Sheryl

The egg sacks arrived in good shape. I put the outside in a cage so my chickens would not eat them.

Praying mantis

Jun 1, 2020 | By Sheryl

The egg sacks arrived in good shape. I put the outside in a cage so my chickens would not eat them.

mantis eggs

Jun 1, 2020 | By William Zacharias

I have not had any Mantis Eggs hatch, it has been 80 plus degrees for 3 weeks. getting a little nervous

exciting to watch!

May 31, 2020 | By Elsie Corbett

Prayers have been answered!

May 30, 2020 | By Hayley Ellisor

I absolutely LOVED my praying mantises. The hatching process was quite smooth and they have populated my garden well. Will be visiting this site again in the future!

It came, they hatched, they conquered

May 30, 2020 | By Kevin

I had a completely positive experience. The ootheca came quickly and hatched with a whole bunch of mantid nymphs. They're all around my garden now and seem to be doing well! I'll be back for more next year.

Release the mantis!

May 30, 2020 | By Chris

We received three well packaged preying mantis egg cases in the mail within a few days of ordering. Now, 2-1/2 weeks later, they're hatching and they are cool little creatures. Hopefully they'll enjoy life here on our acreage.

Very cool

May 30, 2020 | By Andrew Cummings

The mantid-case arrived 3 weeks ago, nicely packaged-protected and just hatched this morning. What awesome little guys - I'm delighted.

So many

May 30, 2020 | By Randy

I bought the three pack and so three hatched pretty quickly. So many little mantids!

Good price!

May 30, 2020 | By Lawrence Durand

Only one egg out of three hatched.

praying mantis

May 26, 2020 | By Ruth Albright

Still waiting for the eggs to hatch Looking forward to setting them out in my gardens.

Excited grandsons!

May 26, 2020 | By Kevin Ferry

If the mantids prove to be one tenth as successful as my grandsons' excitement, I'll consider this the best purchase that I've ever made. Their exuberance when the mantids hatched was amazing. Two egg cases produced at least one hundred mantids; mine has yet to hatch, since my house is cooler.

Great Buy!!!

May 25, 2020 | By Angela

When my usual mantis provider closed due to the pandemic shutdown, I found Arbico Organics and decided to take a chance on them. I'm so glad I did!! Not only were they open for business, but their prices better. I bought the pack of ten egg cases which arrived in less than ten days. The first two egg cases hatched about two weeks later, and I'm still waiting for the other eight to hatch. Thank you to Arbico for your great product and service!!

Still waiting

May 24, 2020 | By Greg

Two weeks in a jar with vented lid and.... nothing yet.... Still have hope.

Hatched and Active

May 23, 2020 | By Gavin Ketchen

The egg cases hatched in a brown bag, at room temperature, the babies were then placed outside and are active.

Excellent! They Hatched today!

May 23, 2020 | By Pamela Hondzinski

I love Praying Mantis! I put the egg case in a small glass container with a tight lid and put it on a seed heating mat. It took 3 weeks and they hatched this morning. They are awesome in my garden and on my fruit trees. Going to let them out all over today!

Garden Ninjas

May 16, 2020 | By Russ Florian

I love the Praying Mantid Egg Cases I get from ARBICO. When Spring rolls around ,all the pests do as well. So, even though I have a breeding population of praying mantis all around the property from previous releases, I like to boost it up defenses with newborn stock. These little Ninjas are COOL! I've seen slight morphing in the past, eg; curled tails, and colors that match different plants, and flowers that they camouflage into. The new babies eat the real small pests that are first to invade. Between them and my resident population, I have a formidable insectoid force, keeping watch over all my property. (and even neighboring property) Great price. Quality product. Proficient Service, Shipping & Handling. Thank You!

Mantids

May 12, 2020 | By Donna Circe

I order 3 mantis cases every year and have great luck with them. I use no pesticides so they totally control insects in my garden . They are also great fun to watch and the grandkids love them.

Awesome!

May 11, 2020 | By Jacqui

Amazing product they actually just hatched today took about 3 weeks. They look good fingers crossed they stick around!!

Totally awesome

May 9, 2020 | By Christopher Creel

Watching this pod hatch was a real highlight. Now my garden is swarming with little brown mantis and my aphid problem is gone.

Praying Mantis Bug Eaters

May 9, 2020 | By Susan Osikowicz

Can't wait until they hatch. Lots of plants to help!

Reliable

May 7, 2020 | By Lisa Marconi

Delivery of my mantis cocoons has always been reliable. The cocoons hatch and I have new cocoons the following year. I still order every year even though the descendants from my first cocoons have reproduced many times over. My only wish is that the cocoons came attached to small sticks to make it easier to attach to shrubs, foilage, etc.

Preying mantis eggs

May 6, 2020 | By Ottmar George Brownfield

Good swift arrival, two big eggs, and in good condition too.

Mantids for Kiddos

May 5, 2020 | By John Barker

I pickup these mantids on a yearly (if I remember on time, i have missed one or two) basis to hatch inside with my boys. The boys love it. The wife was a bit put off when she found out I had purchased what could be anywhere from 200-400 bugs times 50, but as soon as they hatched she fell in love. I think she checks on em more than the boys do now to see if we have an hatched. We live near woods and the mosquitos can be a bit of a pester, but i have seen these little guys catch mosquitos off the back porch, aphids off my roses, and so much more. They also make really cool pets too! Every year we keep one or two inside and watch them grow. We had to get into a bit of engineering to catch their food while they're small, but they can eat crickets in no time. The boys love hand feeding them when they are big enough. On a side note, sometimes I keep the house a bit too cold and it takes a long time for them to hatch. Try and find a warmer spot in the house to keep them if you are watching them inside, otherwise just out em outside and let em do their thing. I usually hatch about 20 or so cases here at the house and give away a bunch to family and friends with kids Of all ages (I am about 40 and I would likely be doing this even if I had no kids haha). Of the 20 I hatch, very few do not hatch. Last year I had none that were dudes but i the past I can remember a few, but only enough that I can count on one hand. Usually it is all that hatch and I have been doing this for years.

Praying Mantids

May 3, 2020 | By Alex

So far, so good. Quick delivery, good product. They egg cases are hatching in my basement now!

Awesome!

Apr 28, 2020 | By Melissa R

I ordered a 3 pack. Waited until each hatched before spreading in the yard. All three hatched, I look forward to seeing my bug population decrease this summer.

Impressive

Apr 11, 2020 | By Diane

I ordered three eggs for myself and three for my son. So far, two of the eggs have hatched. It is amazing to see so many mantid! It is fun to watch them. I hope they continue to do well. My daughter would like some too, so I will order more for her house.

Love those Praying Mantids

Apr 7, 2020 | By Terry

Have been purchasing the 3 egg case pack for several years.. Share with grandchildren. Very Exciting. Arbico is wonderful company and wonderful customer service.

Very nice

Mar 30, 2020 | By Nathan Cortes

Good quality, intact and ready to hatch.

praying mantis

Mar 29, 2020 | By george doby

had egg cases on a screen porch double wrapped with plastic to insulate the porch. stays from upper 60s to close to 85. none have hatched yet 3/29/20

Spread the bugs

Mar 28, 2020 | By Means Johnston III

I bought six egg cases and gave two to my neighbors on either side of me. They have school age children. I fo it every year. We always have adult Praying Mantids in the fall.

Shopping at arbico

Mar 28, 2020 | By Phil McManigal

I really like shopping the Arbico website. It is easy to navigate, order and track my purchases. I recommend Arbico to any one who is serious about organic gardening.

mantids

Mar 28, 2020 | By jeff miller

I received my product very quickly and have always had great results with my orders.

Gardener

Mar 27, 2020 | By TIMOTHY BANWELL

Praying mantis eggs came in the mail within a few days. I'll just keep them in the refrigerator until its time to have them hatch

Praying mantis

Mar 27, 2020 | By Rebecca Peterson

My mantids shipped right away when I ordered them... but since I live in Minnesota, they are now in my refrigerator! If you need to have these little guys shipped to colder climates, just tell them you want to ship say, after May 1st. Arbico will do so but you need to tell them! Very nice company to work with!

Healthy mantid egg cases all hatched!

Mar 19, 2020 | By Happy Gardener

All three egg cases hatched successfully! They shipped quickly and arrived safely. It's wonderful seeing mantids basking in the sun in the garden. Excellent customer service.

Mantis turn up throughout the summer during the years that we purchased them

Mar 12, 2020 | By Rachele Best

The praying mantis that I bought last year hatched when the temperatures got warm enough. We had hundreds on the side of our house. Afterwards, throughout the summer, we came across several mantis in different areas of the yard.

Choice

Mar 2, 2020 | By Tom

Cannot wait to put them out in the spring. Last year the eggs I had gave a lot of little ones running all over the place.

Happy so far

Mar 2, 2020 | By DAVE DE TROLIO

I ordered 3 mantid cases in February. 1 hatched on 2/28, just waiting on the other 2.

Great pets

Jan 23, 2020 | By Lynel haengel

I order every year. I separated the nymphs into 5oz vents cups and fed them wingless fruit flies until they were about an inch and them released most of them. I keep at least 10 and raise them into adults. They make great pets.

Mantids are a hit

Jul 29, 2019 | By Lauren Baylor

I run a garden center and we order these mantids for our customers every year. They have always hatched for us, but we do hatch them in high humidity closed containers. As the instructions warn you, you must let them loose as soon as they hatch or else they will start to eat each other. Thanks Arbico!!

Killing Machines

Jul 10, 2019 | By Julie

Ordered the 10 case pack and out of those ten only three did not hatch out. Put the hatching case out on the plant and off they went. However...out of all those cases I've only seen three Mantids so far. Not sure if that means anything. Maybe they're just hiding out from an Assassin bug that was right where they were hatching out. I had to relocate him because he was eyeballing my baby Mantids. Hope he didn't come back and clean house. Will definitely buy more.

Order Early!

Jun 30, 2019 | By martha

We ordered 10 Praying Mantis Egg cases and they shipped promptly. We hatch inside and transfer to our garden. Of the 10 cases, only 5 hatched and the number of healthy young was very low. We have hatched this way for years, so we do not believe the low numbers were due to anything that we did. Maybe it has to do with ordering later in the season. We may give ARBICO another try next spring.

Owner Response: Hi Martha, We try our best to stop shipping the egg cases once hatch rates begin to decrease, but it is entirely possible that ordering later in the season may have impacted the viability. If you have concerns, we encourage you to call us at 1-800-827-2847 or email us at customercare@arbico.com. If needed, we can refund or reship you based on the circumstances.

Awesome!

Jun 26, 2019 | By Megan

The egg case hatched in about 5 and half weeks and was well worth the wait. There were roughly 165 babies in it and they were so much fun to watch and let go! They are great for gardens,will order again. Recommended.

Great

Jun 25, 2019 | By Nicole

This is our second year ordering praying mantis egg sacs; we are pleased with the results both years! They definitely hatch on their own time but if you're patient your garden will be covered in baby praying mantises. I only saw one or two green hornworms and other pests last year and they were quite small, usually I will see dozens and my garden will have noticeable damage but not with beneficial insects around.

Praying mantis

Jun 15, 2019 | By VJK

My one casing hatched today! I am thrilled. Waiting for the other two

Mantis Babies Galore

Jun 13, 2019 | By Patty Ewald

Ordered 3 egg cases for a very reasonable price a month ago. One was stolen by a rogue squirrel and is MIA. The other two are safe inside an outdoor butterfly habitat. One just hatched yesterday. There are HUNDREDS of them, from just one egg case! Have yet to see any activity from the other egg case but it's still early. This spring has had many cool days here in NYC (thank goodness) so it will probably take a little longer for everyone to come out this year. I have been hatching them in my backyard for the last 4 or 5 years now. So much fun. Would buy from this vendor again for sure :.)

Always reliable

Jun 11, 2019 | By Christy Cohen

We regularly order mantis eggs from Arbico and are always satisfied. We've never had a dud. I individually jar them and pass them out as gifts at the end of the school year to my son's friends and more nature-loving teachers. They are always a hit! The cost is also so much less than what our local farmer's market offers. Thanks!

Praying mantis

Jun 7, 2019 | By Will Bennett

I should have hatched the eggs inside. I'll try again next spring

May 27, 2019 | By Brenda Whitehead

I am thrilled with my purchase. The praying mantis have hatched. It took about 2 weeks. Excited to see them grow

Praying Mantid Egg Cases - 3 Cases

May 25, 2019 | By Mark Lareau

Fast delivery, safe ship. Can't wait 'til these critters hatch. Thanks!

Meatloaf. 2 out of 3 ain't bad.

May 20, 2019 | By Tom Howell

I purchased 3 Praying Mantis sacks. 2 out of 3 of them hatched. One was much larger than the other. So it was ok but not perfect.

Mantis eggs

May 9, 2019 | By Mary Downs

Ordered 3 mantis eggs so far one hatched waiting on other two to open

How to Hatch Indoors

May 9, 2019 | By Elizabeth

Hatch praying mantids indoors by placing each egg casing in a small brown paper bag (lunch size). Clip bag shut with a paper clip. Place all in an open shoe box, up high, on a shelf away from all pets---except cats. Keep out of direct sunlight. After two weeks of 70 degree weather, expect the birthing process to begin. Check each paper bag DAILY. If you have a cat who can get close to the bags (in the shoe box), he/she will let you know when a faint scratching sound occurs as the insects hatch! Place box where you won't forget to check daily. The insects are hungry when born and will probably eat some of the other insects in the bag! Disperse the babies all over the yard on shrubs, ornamental grasses.

Mantids

May 8, 2019 | By Robert Gettings

They are very interesting animals and I enjoy seeing them around the property. The price is right too. They are $10 an egg case at the nurseries aroung here.

Great service

Apr 28, 2019 | By Paul E. Doniger

Arbico is always timely with shipping and carries quality products. It's a bit early to judge the "birth rate" for our preying mantis egg cases, but past history suggests that they will be plentiful.

mantis

Apr 22, 2019 | By joe

no instructions

Owner Response: You can find hatching and release instructions under the Instructions tab.

Great and fun!

Apr 12, 2019 | By Diane Baker

Both times they hatched well. I even " extended" the life of one in a terrarium at summers end (Ohio). She spun a cocoon in captivity-AWESOME to watch!

Mantis egg cases

Apr 7, 2019 | By Bert

I've purchased these for every year for about six years with great success except for the last two years when nothing hatched and the cases looked like they were old. This years cases look new. I'm waiting for the weather to warm up befor I put them outside.

Wonderful garden beneficial

Feb 17, 2019 | By JG

All my friends and I love being able to obtain these mantid egg cases from Arbico

Amazing

Aug 6, 2018 | By Michale Jackson

It took a few weeks for my praying mantises to hatch. They hatched last night. I was very excited to add them to my garden as a natural approach to fend off the aphids.

I Love It!!!

Jul 29, 2018 | By SANDRA JARDINE

This was an excellent purchase to get rid of unwanted garden and yard pests.

Very helpful, and inexpensive

Jul 23, 2018 | By Daniel Davis

I ordered 2 praying mantid egg cases... they came to me very quickly. I had to call a couple times, because I had questions, and I received the best customer service. These people are very helpful, and courteous. I will use their products exclusively, because of the quality, and customer service they provide!

Budtender

Jul 23, 2018 | By PATRICK YIRKA

I bought two mantis cases for my Marijuana garden. I have had them in a gallon glass container with a cloth top, and two large sticks for them to climb up on when they come out. So far,.....nothing and it has been two weeks. Our temp is in the 80's each day.

review of product

Jul 7, 2018 | By ralph

good shipping should be at nc

0-2

Jun 19, 2018 | By Joseph Dattilo

2 pods, no luck. Neither had produced any mantid after 3 weeks.

Decent hatch rate

Jun 16, 2018 | By Lucas

I ordered a 10-pack of egg cases in the last week of March. I kept 5 inside my house in empty 1-gallon containers and 5 outside my house, but in a shed, also in 1-gallon containers. Within two weeks, 2 of the indoor egg cases and 3 of the outdoor egg cases had hatched. Unfortunately, the other 5 egg cases (3 indoor and 2 outdoor) did not hatch. I kept all containers slightly misted to maintain the humidity, although that isn't really necessary here in Miami. There's no way to guarantee that all egg cases will hatch, but I am disappointed in the hatch rates I experienced. I feel it is a better value to buy them now (June instead of March) at the reduced prices since most egg cases will not hatch regardless.

Mantis eggs

Jun 6, 2018 | By Nick Strick

All three pods hatched out. Was able to give some friends so also. Thanks again

AOK

Jun 1, 2018 | By Paul E. Doniger

Everything arrived in good condition and on time.

Praying mantid

May 28, 2018 | By Doug Salter

The people at arbico were great

Good idea but...

May 25, 2018 | By Nora

I didn't get to see the results. I like the idea of the product but so did the birds. The egg sack was gone by the next day I should have hidden it better in the tree. So no issues with the product but I do caution on better placement especially if you're inundated by starlings like I am.

Pray mantis

May 21, 2018 | By James

It did alright only 4 hached and rest was no good. Better than nothing. I keep them in my glass tank aquarium with out water of course to see if they hatch. 4 did and the rest didn't. I keep them in two aquariums with 4 in one tank and 6 in the second tank. None of the 6 hatched so i rate it a 4. Last year all hatched within a week.

Great cases!

May 21, 2018 | By Merced ramirez

Bought three last year spring 2017. I hatched all three inside then released into the garden. The last case I hatched only had 8 but the rest had hundreds so I was very pleased! I will be buying some again this year. I've been walking around the property this spring and I'm seeing babies everywhere!

mantis ootheca

May 15, 2018 | By Stanley

Only one out of three produced. Too bad for me I guess.

Owner Response: Hello Stanley, We encourage you to call if you have viability issues with our beneficial insects. Our customer service can be reached at 1-800-827-2847. Praying mantid egg cases can vary in the quantity of eggs in each and hatch rates, but we are happy to discuss best practices for hatching them out and problem solve with you going forward.

Praying Mantid

May 15, 2018 | By John Milanoski

I ordered 10 eggs and everyone of them hatched. 5 stars

PRAYING MANTIDS

May 6, 2018 | By KERRIE

I went out today and found a large amount of tiny praying mantids on a pan outside my little yard. I was able to distribute them all over my front yard. They are so cute!

Mantis

Apr 17, 2018 | By Priscilla

Last yrs did so well that I had to get more. Plus the grandkids asked if I had gotten them yet. They check to see if they have hatched & look forward to letting them go when they hatch!

Hard to find in this area.

Apr 15, 2018 | By Dave B

I ordered these, because it's difficult to find a local nursery that sells them. Came in a "pill bottle". Although it's technically Spring here, it's still too cold for them to hatch. So, no idea if any survived the shipping process or not.

Owner Response: Hi Dave! The praying mantids are adapted to overwinter in places where there are harsh winters, so they should be just fine even with the cold temperatures. We recommend that you hatch them out indoors this year in order to keep them in a stable temperature. You can put them in a covered jar or tupperware container. Hatching can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks.

OWNER

Apr 5, 2018 | By KEN KELLER

I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE TURN AROUND TIME...BUT A COUPLE OF MY EGG MASSES WERE DUDS....DID NOT HATCH

Owner Response: Hi, It looks like the egg cases were delivered less than 2 weeks ago. It may take 6 weeks or so for some of the praying mantid egg cases to hatch!

shipping time

Feb 22, 2018 | By JoElla

Why were my mantis eggs sent so soon? I have placed them in the fridge as directed but I hope that this does not damage the eggs. I would have preferred the eggs be sent close to the hatching time.

Owner Response: Hello JoElla, I apologize for any misunderstanding, but unless there is a note or statement requesting a shipping delay we will ship product at the earliest opportunity. The egg cases should be fine, kept in a refrigerator, until you are ready to hatch them. I hope that this is helpful, please do not hesitate to contact me for further information. Best Regards, Deborah

Hatched today

Jun 12, 2017 | By William

Hatched today on our first 90 degree day. They are out in the wild wreaking havoc on my garden pests. Many thanks to ARBICO for these soldiers of destruction.

Praying Mantid Egg cases

Mar 6, 2015 | By Colleen Schultz

I have bought these the last couple of years and again this year, they all have hatched for me with great success. I highly recommend these little guys.