Yes, praying mantid ootheca, an unwanted insect in my gardens. /:-(

Hi Rhizo. Please tell me more. Why unwanted? Thanks

rhizo has previously posted that mantids will eat both bad and beneficial insects, plus many mantids or their eggs are purchased online and can be of non-native species.

I didn't know - always thought they were good for the garden- will read more. Thanks

Larry is right about what I've posted previously. In all fairness, however, I will say that most people consider them beneficial. Until they've truly observed them, that is.

In my gardens, they hang out in the perennials and other flowering plants, waiting for bees and butterflies. That's where all of the activity is! I've tried moving them to the vegetable garden, but they'll fly back in a split second.

I have to say that I've never seen them do anything but harm, except when they kill each other.....which they are happy to do.