Praying Mantis are effective predators of many garden insect pests ranging from aphids,whiteflies caterpillers thrips, grasshoppers, wasps and many others. These fascinating insects grow to 5 inches in length at maturity. Egg cases contain up to 200 young mantis which will hatch when placed outdoors (usually around May). they are hardy down to zone 5. Life expectancy is one season. Females will finish their lives by laying more egg cases for next season hatching. This can provide a good "science project" as long as young mantis can find food or are provided food in captivity. Available Feb- April.