Mantid Madness

I was watering my plants this morning and I noticed something - and then many somethings - crawling around on them. That's right - my mantids have hatched! Apparently there are between 50 and 200 mantids per eggs case, I'm guessing mine was nearer the upper limit becuase my porch is over-run with the little blighters. I got them at the garden center because I'd heard they make great pest control agents. Their prefered hunting method - sitting very still until prey comes along and then spearing it with their sharp fronts legs - means that they tend to hang around one spot and eat anything that comes by. Last year I had some trouble with insect pests on my tomatoes, so I thought I'd try them out this year. Regardless of that I have other plans... soon they will begin the training, then I'll get them little uniforms and even tiny brass band instruments. Then will be honed into a fierce fighting force - MY MANTID ARMY WILL RULE THE WORLD!

Or not.

Anyway here are some pictures of them. In the first one you can see their egg sack.