A praying mantis nest just hatched right by my front door!

One quiet morning, as I opened my front door, I was surprised to see dozens of baby praying mantises crawling around the doorstep.

These tiny insects, no bigger than my pinky finger, had just hatched from an egg case known as an ootheca. The female mantis carefully attaches this foam-like case to sturdy surfaces such…

Watching these tiny hatchlings explore and scatter was a magical experience — a glimpse into the beginning of their journey in the natural world. Some clung to the brick wall, while others disappeared into the nearby plants, blending seamlessly with the greenery. It was a quiet but powerful reminder of life’s continuous renewal.

If you ever come across mantis hatchlings near your home, it’s important to observe them gently without touching, as they are fragile. Avoid using pesticides in the area and leave shrubs or plants nearby to provide shelter from birds and ants. Over time, these tiny mantises will molt several times before growing into adults.