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invasive praying mantis #681562

Asked February 23, 2021, 4:45 PM EST

last year i had some kale and butternut squash on the side of my home. we had 4 praying mantis that stayed in that area all season long. come fall i moved them to the front of the house so i could compost the vines and this spring i found 2 egg sacks. someone said it looked like an invasion egg. please help. i sent pictures of both eggs and one of the mantis from last year

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Scott, thank you for the question.  Michigan does not have native matises but both the Chinese and the European mantises are found here.    The egg sacs or ootheca are consistent with these critters.  Both species are considered naturalized and so they are not controlled.  The mantis in the picture appears to be the Chinese species.  Check out the following link:

I hope this helps,

An Ask Extension Expert Replied February 23, 2021, 9:38 PM EST

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