BENEFICIAL INSECT EGGS — Janine Jacobs, UC Master Gardener

Describe the eggs of these beneficial insects: Ladybug beetle - eggs are laid in groups, yellow in color with an elongate-oval shape, usually laid on the undersides of leaves, arranged on end pointing upright.

Praying mantis – eggs are contained within an egg case. The egg case when wet is frothy and beige in color, when dry is has the appearance of hard dry cotton candy that is brown in color. The case can vary in size depending upon the species. Usually found on the underside of a branch or large leaf. Attachment may envelop the entire twig or leaf petiole.

Lacewing – 1. (green lacewing) each elliptical, grey-green to green egg is laid o top of a tall filament or stalk. These stalks may be alone or in groups. (species dependant). 2. (brown lacewing) same color, oblong in shape, laid singly and not on a stalk.