We rarely spot mantid ('praying mantis') egg cases, which is a little surprising given that we frequently see the insects themselves. Mantids surround their eggs in a frothy material that hardens upon drying and forms the 'ootheca', the shape of which varies between species. Despite the protective ootheca, mantid eggs are often targetted by tiny parasitic wasps. I have decided to bring this one inside to see what eventually emerges ... mantids, wasps, or both!

Orthodera (link to iNaturalist record)