If you enjoy picking out the picture perfect Christmas tree at the local tree farm with your family every holiday season, there’s a little-known feature you’ll want to keep an eye out for. Hiding beneath the vibrant green needles, shiny garland and festive ornaments might be a piece of nature seeking to run its course in your home—something neither you nor nature would appreciate. This Christmas, keep your eyes peeled for a praying mantis egg sack. Here’s what you need to be on the look out for:
There’s nothing like the fresh scent of an authentic Christmas tree. Before you assume your handpicked tree is perfect, however, take a few minutes to examine the branches.
Kristine Paulus/Flickr What might look like a tiny pinecone to you might actually be an egg sack that’s home to baby praying mantises waiting to hatch.
On the outside, it might just look like a walnut-sized mass. On the inside, it might contain hundreds of baby praying mantises.
Joshua Ganderson/Flickr During the fall season, a female can lay up to 400 eggs in one mass. The babies are safe inside the protective sack all through winter until they hatch in the spring.
If you look closely, you’ll likely see the mass on several different types of plants and branches. If you find one on your Christmas tree, simply clip the branch off and take it outside.
Melissa/Flickr If the mass is left inside, the babies will hatch early and starve.
Be sure to check your tree this season, just in case some baby praying mantises are attached. You’ll be grateful—and they’ll definitely be grateful.
nosha/Flickr Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Ohio!
Have you ever spotted a praying mantis egg sack on your Christmas tree before? Share your thoughts, photos and experiences with us!
Kristine Paulus/Flickr
What might look like a tiny pinecone to you might actually be an egg sack that’s home to baby praying mantises waiting to hatch.
Joshua Ganderson/Flickr
During the fall season, a female can lay up to 400 eggs in one mass. The babies are safe inside the protective sack all through winter until they hatch in the spring.
Melissa/Flickr
If the mass is left inside, the babies will hatch early and starve.
nosha/Flickr
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Ohio!
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