What is it??? (bugs, tree, insect, backyard)

[Phawk57]

This is on a branch of my fig. Is it to something that could harm the plant or is it a beneficial? The case hard like a shield.

[Dusty Rhodes]

On the premise that, if it isn't part of the tree it is probably a potential problem, I'd cut it off.

[Rtom45]

Its an insect egg case, I'm tempted to say qypsy moth, but I'm not sure. You can pick it off by hand and crush it under your foot or burn it.

[tcs1366]

are you sure it's not an egg casing from a Praying Mantis? I know theirs are usually tan.

[paperhouse]

Originally Posted by tcs1366

are you sure it's not an egg casing from a Praying Mantis? I know theirs are usually tan.

That's what I was thinking. And I would leave it if it turns out to be. They kill aphids and other garden pests.

[Elke Mariotti]

I seriously doubt it's a gypsy moth egg case - here's a link to the different gypsy moth stages; you can compare the photos to what you have.

Gypsy Moth in Wisconsin--Life Cycle and Biology

Good luck!

[Phawk57]

I compared photos yesterday and they looked too soft around the edges. This is like a shield. It has ridges on it like a klingons forehead (I couldn't think of another way to describe it) I removed it but it was very hard.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by tcs1366

are you sure it's not an egg casing from a Praying Mantis? I know theirs are usually tan.

Photo is not clear but it looks sort of like these:

Praying Mantises

INSECT EGGS

Praying Mantis Egg Case | Royalty Free Stock Photo Image | iStockphoto.com

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by tcs1366

are you sure it's not an egg casing from a Praying Mantis? I know theirs are usually tan.

That's exactly what it is.

In short order there should be hundreds of little mantids running about your fig tree. They are voracious little predators that are very beneficial to a garden ecosystem.

I used to keep them as pets when I was a kid. Nothing else in the insect world looks quite like it and there is not a doubt in my mind as to its identity.

***EDIT*** I just noticed that you removed it. Murderer. The blood of hundreds of the coolest bugs on the planet is now on your hands. Go sit in the corner and think about what you've done.

***EDIT2*** If the case wasn't destroyed, put it in a dry aquarium and watch for a while.

http://localfoodsandusky.files.wordp...ingmantis2.jpg

[Phawk57]

tcs1366 & CptnRn - Thank you so much for that info. That is exactly what it looked like. I didn't squash it. It went flying when I managed to remove it. Hopefully all those lovelys will hatch and help my garden. Next time I know better.