I think this exquisite creation may be a cocoon or egg case for a praying mantis. There are a number of them in this area; I never noticed them until this afternoon!
Anyone able to shed a little light on the subject matter?
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I wish I could shed light – I hope someone can! The closest I’ve seen are paper wasp nests which are much larger (approx. 6-8″ high and 6″ wide), smooth, and greyish white. This doesn’t look like any cocoon I’ve ever seen – they tend to be wrapped with fine thread, smaller, and more regularly shaped. And it doesn’t help that all these observations are from the west coast. . .
One of my Flickr friends has confirmed that it is a praying mantis egg case – and there could be up to 400 babies in that thing! I’m going to have to keep a close eye on it. 🙂
Good to know! I didn’t realize they laid so many eggs – wow! It certainly is worth keeping an eye on it!
How interesting . . . I’d be keeping a close eye and camera on it this spring . . . you may get the proof.
I know! I also look forward to seeing if I can catch the praying mantises laying their eggs in the fall!