What is it?

[bonhe]

Hi all,
Few days ago, I saw this on one of my prebonsai olive stocks.
What is it? Should it be discarded?
p/s: I already know the answer. Now it is your turn.
Bonhe

 

[small trees]

I've seen those before and assumed it was some sort of cocoon.

 

[namnhi]

Prey Mantis egg sack. Tru*ng Cao Cao. Leave it they aren't suppose to be benificial bug?

 

[PaulH]

Right. That's a mantis egg case. Let them hatch out then you can remove it. They'll eat a lot of bad-guy bugs.

 

[bonhe]

You guys have the correct answers!
It is a Praying mantis's ootheca (egg mass + protective capsule).
Praying mantis is one of best friends of gardener.
I took the picture of this female who was in the action of laying her eggs 10/23/2012!
Bonhe

 

[Waldo Street Pottery]

Watching them hatch in miniature form is pure delight! Very Alien-esque...

 

[daytona1911]

a Few years back, I showed one to my son. He took it home and put it in a 10 gallon cage with a screen top. They hatched, and for the next two weeks we are catching and releasing outside into my bonsai garden DOZENS of tiny praying mantis. He didn't realize they would get through the screening. They are the coolest critters. Its neat to see them following you as you are trimming a tree with one on it.

 

[Vance Wood]

You guys have the correct answers!
It is a Praying mantis's ootheca (egg mass + protective capsule).
Praying mantis is one of best friends of gardener.
I took the picture of this female who was in the action of laying her eggs 10/23/2012!
Bonhe

They are also a protected species in many areas.

 

[bonhe]

They are also a protected species in many areas.

Thanks. It's good to know.
Bonhe