I found this brown, hard, mossy structure clinging to a fence post in the garden. I was about to scrape it off, but I hesitated. What is it?

6. At the heart of the matter: a generation ready to emerge

Inside this small structure, hundreds of eggs develop during the winter. The shell protects them from the cold and predators.

In spring, tiny praying mantises emerge: miniature versions of the adults, equipped with prehensile front legs and a keen hunting instinct. They quickly disperse among the surrounding plants, thus beginning their role as natural pest control agents.

7. Hatching period: what to expect

Praying mantis eggs typically hatch in the spring, when temperatures stabilize. This period ensures an abundance of prey, such as aphids and other small insects, for the young larvae. Dozens, or even more, can then be observed.