None of the mantids are protected and keeping them alive in captivity is impossible, given the voracious appetite of a growing mantid. Also, if released outdoors when temperatures warm in early spring, survivors would quickly die, since their life cycle would not be synchronized with their prey. It is best to look for the light tan, walnut-sized, frothy egg masses on the tree before it is taken indoors. Cut out any small twig with an attached egg mass and place it in an evergreen shrub or tree outdoors. In spring, eggs will hatch and the mantids will have appropriate food available.
Psocids are small, winged, soft-bodied insects colored gray or brown.
They can be found outdoors on the bark of many trees, including Christmas trees, but will quickly die from conditions in most homes. Scale Insects Crawlers of scale species that overwinter in the egg stage may appear on trees kept indoors long enough for eggs to hatch. The most likely candidate is the pine needle scale. These crawlers could easily be shaken or knocked from the tree and may be noticeable especially on a light background as tiny, slowly moving red specks. If crushed, they may leave red spots or streaks that can be removed with soapy water.