What is this thing that looks like a piece of foam stuck to a blueberry cane?
This is the ootheca, or egg mass, of the Chinese mantid (Tenodera aridifolia). Chinese mantids are nonnative predatory insects that much larger than the native Carolina mantid. Mantids are generalist predators that will prey on just about any insect they can catch, even each other if other prey is scarce. Oothecae, like the one pictured contain up to 600 eggs that are protected by the dense foam-like structure. The eggs hatch and hundreds of tiny mantids will emerge as the weather warms. When mature, males will be around 3 inches in length, while females will reach over four. Read more about Chinese mantids here.
This week’s question is from Justin Ballew, Extension Fruit and Vegetable Research Associate.
The South Carolina Grower 