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Insect sack/egg identification #701731

Asked July 16, 2020, 6:37 PM EDT

I've seen many praying mantis sacks, including one in our yard right now. But this sack doesn't have the same characteristic. Every mantis sack I've seen has a definite pattern of ridges. This sack appears smoother and shaped differently. It's small, only about 1.5in long and .75in high.

Thanks!

Berks County Pennsylvania

Expert Response

Good morning and thanks for the picture.

I believe you are looking at the egg sac of a Potter Wasp. It's a fairly small wasp and considered a beneficial in the garden. It forms these "clay" pots and fills them with caterpillars. It then lays a single egg. When the egg hatches, the wasp larva feeds on the caterpillars.

I'm including a couple links with a bit more information.


I hope this helps.


Bill k Replied July 18, 2020, 10:40 AM EDT
Bill,

Thank you so much!

I was being told over and over(facebook) it's a Praying Mantis sack, but I knew it wasn't.

Thanks again!

Jeff
The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2020, 11:34 AM EDT
No problem Jeff!

Please think of us again.
And you were right about the Praying Mantis sacs--ridges!
Bill k Replied July 18, 2020, 12:18 PM EDT

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