Cocoon, chrysalis, wha?

[PhotosGuy]

Cocoon, chrysalis, what?

I'd like to do a search for this, but have no idea where to start. Can anyone give me a hint, or better yet, tell me who's living inside?

This is about double size.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/PhotosGuy/Forum%20Junk/Cocoon_1422.jpg?t=1222827649

[PBeeee]

Somebody's winter home, cocoon, I'd guess. But what I would do, if you can, is take the branch home, duct tape it to one of my trees and watch it closely during spring warm-up. Those could be some cool pics. You won't harm this critter by moving it.

[PhotosGuy]

Thanks. It was under a piece of wood in the garden, so moving it is easy.
I hope someone can come up with a way to ID it before Spring! :D

[PBeeee]

My guess (as someone who has to id harmful pests) is that this is just a moth or butterfly. More specific than that from a cocoon is beyond my expertise. If you google cocoons in images you will see similar images. With your permission, I can forward it on to others who may know more or suggest a site to search. I think you will be rewarded if you watch it closely in spring. What the heck, really live dangerously and bring it inside about March 1st!!

[PhotosGuy]

If you google cocoons in images you will see similar images. I did, but in 4 pages I couldn't find any specific info. Most of those sites seem to expect you to already know the name when you search? They aren't made for us. With your permission, I can forward it on to others who may know more or suggest a site to search. I would appreciate more info on it, so you have it! It's not as if that shot will ever win any awards! :D What the heck, really live dangerously and bring it inside about March 1st!! I plan to do that & I wonder how sensitive it is to light? I thought I'd keep it in the unheated garage but don't know if the change is just triggered by temperature, or if hours of daylight have an effect, too.

Oh, another question. Since it was laying on the ground, is it right-side up, or upside-down? :D

Thanks for the help!

[Techuser]

None of the above, its a mantis ootheca ;)
I think light has no influence, but the nymphs are more successful emerging when it is facing downwards

[PBeeee]

Interesting. Never seen the egg casing before, just the critter! Learned something new!

[PhotosGuy]

its a mantis ootheca THANKS! I'll get on google right away. Can I put you on my source list for IDs in the future? ;) but the nymphs are more successful emerging when it is facing downwards Which is the way I shot it? Or, not?

[PhotosGuy]

Holy crap! There's a whole herd of them in there! :D
Chinese Mantis Ootheca Hatching Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4BElFKnoEE&NR=1

[PBeeee]

Maybe released by someone as beneficials? Are they going to live thru winter in Michigan?

[PhotosGuy]

Maybe released by someone as beneficials? Are they going to live thru winter in Michigan? Are you under the impression that those in the video were from my find? I found the video in the inet. Mine won't hatch 'till next year.

[PBeeee]

Oh no, I realize that! I just mean if you put them someplace warm now, they may hatch but if you put them in an unheated garage, will they survive the cold? Other guy needs to chime in now.

[Techuser]

Interesting. Never seen the egg casing before, just the critter! Learned something new!
And they come in various shapes and sizes depending on the species

THANKS! I'll get on google right away. Can I put you on my source list for IDs in the future? :wink:
Which is the way I shot it? Or, not?
Ok hehe
The way you shot will work, as you saw in the video they get some help from gravity when they emerge

[PhotosGuy]

but if you put them in an unheated garage, will they survive the cold? It's attached to the house, so will be slightly warmer than outside, but they're native to Michigan, so I don't see a problem. I wonder what the lowest temp that they can stand is.

Thanks again for the help, João! Excellent shots on your site!

[PhotosGuy]

Here's a shot with a ruler, for anyone interested about the size. And, it's right side up this time.
;)