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As the holiday season approaches, families around the world begin the cherished tradition of decorating their homes with festive ornaments and, of course, the iconic Christmas tree. However, one man’s experience with his Christmas tree took an unexpected turn when he discovered something unusual nestled among the branches. This discovery led him to post a warning online, drawing attention to a hidden aspect of holiday decorations that many might overlook: praying mantis eggs.
The Unexpected Encounter: Praying Mantis Eggs
While adjusting the ornaments on his freshly acquired Christmas tree, the man noticed a peculiar brownish mass attached to one of the branches. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was an egg case, or ootheca, belonging to a praying mantis. This unexpected encounter prompted him to share his findings on social media, warning others to inspect their trees carefully to avoid a potential hatching event indoors.
He writes to Facebook, “If you happen to see a walnut sized/shaped egg mass, on your Christmas tree, don’t fret, clip the branch and put it in your garden. These are 100-200 preying mantis eggs! We had two egg masses on our tree this year. Don’t bring them inside they will hatch and starve!”
Understanding Praying Mantis Egg Cases
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