Knowledgebase

Insect Nest? #546686

Asked March 11, 2019, 5:50 PM EDT

I found this on a butterfly bush in my yard. What is it?

Prince George's County Maryland

Expert Response

This is called an ootheca. It is an egg case of a Chinese praying mantid. You can read about this insect at the following link. They are predators in the garden and eat a variety of insects, including other mantids.
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/predators-praying-mantid-mantis

ckc
Answered by the Home & Garden Information Center's Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists Replied March 12, 2019, 8:43 AM EDT
Thank you.  This website service is awesome. I appreciate your expertise.  

I have seen the adult Chinese Mantis around the yard.  And, learned from your response there are other species I can look forward to discovering.
The Question Asker Replied March 12, 2019, 12:55 PM EDT
You're welcome! 
Answered by the Home & Garden Information Center's Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists Replied March 12, 2019, 1:16 PM EDT

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