egg packet

An egg packet, also known as an ootheca, is a protective casing that encloses a batch of eggs. This is a common method of reproduction for certain insects, such as cockroaches and mantids. These egg packets are cemented together to form a single unit, safeguarding the developing embryos within.1

While most animals begin life as a single fertilized egg, the form and structure of eggs and their coverings vary greatly across the animal kingdom. For instance, some crustaceans, like certain copepods, have paired egg masses that project from their bodies. The specific design of an egg packet or case is crucial for the survival and development of the young.23