An ootheca is a type of egg mass made by any member of a variety of species (usually insects or mollusks).

The word is a combination of oo-, meaning “egg”, from the Greek word oion, and theca, meaning a “cover” or “container”, from the Greek theke.

An ootheca usually contains many eggs surrounded by a foam of protein which may then harden into a tough casing for protection. Notable ootheca-making insects are the mantid and cockroach.

External links

• Gallery with oothecae of various mantis species
• Photograph of a praying mantis ootheca

Ooteca