That pinecone-shaped mass on your Christmas tree may look magical and lovely, but it may also be harboring praying mantis eggs. Know the difference between what belongs on your tree and what doesn’t. Scroll on for more details.

The family Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decorating, and though many have opted for reusable options in recent years, there are still plenty of people who prefer the piney scent and feel of true spruce.
Flickr/Artur Staszewski
Whether or not you've already picked our that perfect fir, there's something to watch out for when trimming the tree. These tiny pinecone-shaped masses aren't pinecones at all.
Flickr/Kristine Paulus
This acorn-like mass is really a sack of eggs for baby praying mantises. There could be hundreds inside waiting to hatch.
Flickr/Joshua Ganderson

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Each fall, the mommas lay their eggs, of which up to 400 can be laid in one mass. The sacks are not meant to hatch until spring if kept in the right conditions (i.e. outside).
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When brought inside, the praying mantis eggs will warm up and may think it's spring early. If they hatch in your house, they may starve and die, and that's not a win for anyone.
Wikimedia Commons/Ajit Pendse
To prevent this from happening, take a few minutes to examine your Christmas tree for these egg sacks and snip any branches that contain them and take them outside.
Flickr/Melissa
Pinecones on Christmas trees are charming and whimsical, but these praying mantis eggs are anything but, so make sure your tree is free of them for the holidays.
Pexels/NastyaSensei

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Have you ever found praying mantis eggs on your Christmas tree? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your stories and experiences with us below in the comments.

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