Praying Mantis Nest

While out surveying with the crew at Dickson Mounds, Big Sister found a praying mantis nest. It was originally attached to some tall grass stems in the field about to be turned over for an excavation, so she rescued it and brought it home.
Actually, the nest sat in our tent over the weekend while we camped, and I could not help but to wonder if it would hatch miniature mantids all over us one night!
As it turns out, it will be several weeks- up to eight weeks- before the little critters arrive.
The nest is so distinctive- once you see one, you won't forget it. To me, it looks like a blog of that foam window insulation that squirts from a can. But the shape is consistent from nest to nest.

We were advised to place the nest in a jar with a FINE mesh cover. Apparently, these little critters are very small and slender. Escape is imminent! I can't wait to see what happens next.