A graduate student at the University of California has started hatching dozens of praying mantises as part of a "fun project to do during quarantine" and to control pest problem.

Alex Malinick showcases dozens of baby praying mantises which are just hatching from their egg sack.

Malinick told Newsflare: "I purchased the mantis egg sacks as a fun project to do during quarantine I have several more egg sacks in my backyard. They are actually a great natural way to control pests such as aphids that harm plants.

"They are a great alternative to using insecticides especially when you have an infestation that is near edible plants you are growing."

This footage was filmed in Fresno on May 13.