Oothecae are made up of structural proteins and tanning agents that cause the protein to harden around the eggs, providing protection and stability.[1] The production of ootheca convergently evolved across numerous insect species due to a selection for protection from parasites and other forms of predation, as the complex structure of the shell casing provides an evolutionary reproductive advantage[2] (although the fitness and lifespan also depend on other factors such as the temperature of the incubating ootheca[5]). Oothecae are most notably found in the orders Blattodea (Cockroaches) and Mantodea (Praying mantids), as well as in the subfamilies Cassidinae (Coleoptera) and Korinninae (Phasmatodea).[6][7]