I noticed yet another oothecum from last year's thriving population of mantids in the yard. This one was placed under the little roof eave of a mosquito repellant garden lantern left over as a decorative accent of sorts from several summers ago. These females seem to prefer, or at least do not discriminate against, the human-made when seeking surfaces or objects to attach their egg cases to. A 90 degree corner under a projection, offering protection from the elements or possibly predators from above but with free clearance beneath seems to be a model site for the female mantis.
Will whatever citronella remains on the wick within have any effect on the hatching mantises? It does not seem to have deterred their mother, so I doubt it.
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