I doubt you have katydids because those particular critters insert eggs into plant tissue.

Perhaps you have preying mantid egg cases. If so, the youngsters -- if confined to small area -- are eating each other.

No, no they are definitely katydids. I researched egg case pictures as well as the little critters themselves. I just saw one while ago. It's a young katydid. Guess I'll have to Google more info besides pictures. Anyone here?

Though katydids deposit their eggs in various ways and sites depending upon the species, I have only personally observed those that are attached to leaves or in a similar fashion along stems of plants. These egg cases are quite distinctive. I've attached a link with an image for your comparison.

The young katydids will remain nearby, eating plant material until they eventually grow large enough to develop wings to fly away. They often end up in trees, where they continue their eating.

Katydids are indeed very pretty, and only rarely have I heard of them becoming a pest in the typical yard and garden. (Agriculture a different story.) Protecting them? Hmmmmm. I guess that depends upon how much you care that they will eat your plants. Let them have a little, and let nature take her course. Mrs. Spider needs to earn a living, after all. ;-)

Here is a link that might be useful: katydid egg cases

Not trying to be feisty but .. it would help if you describe your "unusual looking egg cases." You know, size, location, and whatever else you see.

Throwing feul on Jean's feistiness, a pic would clear it up real quick.
;)

Jean - Don't think you're being feisty - I appreciate your help. They are on the stem (about eye level) on a boston ivy in my little coutryard. They ARE Katydid eggs, no question. They do match the photo sent by Rhizo but those are on a leaf. I have a super picture from the U. of Michigan and am trying to figure out how to post it. Hate to admit I don't know how to post a picture from another website - will try to take a pic today (it's cloudy right now) with my digital camera - that I know how to do. But the eggs are hatching and each one has a little white dot on it after it hatches. Curious, huh?

photobucket.com free pic hosting.

I'm trying = haven't figured out how to post a picture from another web site. Here's the URL:{{gwi:301987}}
Zowie, I previewed my message and there it is! This is what's on my Boston Ivy stem as I explained. I'm excited.