I recently had the great fortune to spot a newly hatched praying mantis egg case and several mantis babies from that case walking around the Elizabeth and Nona Evans Restorative Garden. A number of people have asked me whether or not I think mantids are good bugs to have in their gardens. Being an entomologist, that answer is quite simple: OF COURSE!

Now, do they really help in controlling plant pests? Yes, to a certain degree. Being predators means that they can eat some plant pests. However, mantids do not distinguish between plant pests and other insects considered ‘good’ like bees and butterflies. In fact, mantids can be cannibals and will readily eat other mantids if the opportunity presents itself.

So, should you buy egg cases to put in your garden? Yes, as long as you realize that while they are fun and interesting to have in your garden, mantids will not control all plant pests that rear their hungry heads toward your flowers or vegetables!

 Posted by Cynthia Druckenbrod

The adorable Chinese Mantis (Tenodera aridifolia sinensis)