I didn’t realize this was possible!

Praying mantis egg cases, known as oothecae, are protective structures that house the eggs of this fascinating insect. These cases are typically brown, foam-like, and can contain dozens to hundreds of eggs.
How Praying Mantis Eggs End Up in Christmas Trees

Christmas trees provide a natural habitat for various wildlife, including praying mantises. During the late summer and fall, female mantises lay their eggs on tree branches. When these trees are harvested and sold as Christmas trees, the egg cases can inadvertently be brought into homes, hidden among the branches.

Potential Risks and Benefits of Having Praying Mantis Eggs Indoors

While the idea of having hundreds of tiny mantises hatching in your living room might be unsettling, praying mantises are generally harmless to humans and pets. In fact, they are beneficial insects, known for their role in controlling pest populations.

However, an indoor hatching could lead to a messy situation, as the young mantises will disperse in search of food.