How do praying mantis hatch from their egg sac?

The ootheca protects the eggs until they hatch. Every species of mantis has a different color, size and shape of ootheca. Some have just a few eggs inside, other species can have hundreds of mantis eggs inside just one egg sack. Most mantis species in temperate zones lay the ootheca in fall, after which all adult mantises die. read more

The egg sac has the equivalent of one-way doors. Once the mantis starts to hatch, it can only go forward. By placing the egg sacs upright, you ensure that the "hatch doors" are not blocked. Mantids molt as they grow. The process of hatching and raising praying mantids provides an excellent experience for children. read more