There are two cocoons in this dish. One of them has hatched. It is my understanding that the mother Preying Mantis spins a cocoon and then lays approximately 200 eggs inside before sealing it. When the babies hatch, they eat their way out of the protective shell of the hardened nursery chamber. I took this dish outside tonight and hoping to increase their chance of survival; I spread the babies throughout the garden. Ants and birds will try to eat them, but hopefully some of them will be able to hide and survive. This is one (or 200) bug(s) that make(s) me happy.
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