Many of these species have a small cap on top that is made of fats and proteins, very altractive to ants. An ant will pick up the egg. carry it to its nest, eat the cap, and forget the egg. The egg then gets to develop, safe from harm, at a constant temperature and humidity. Once it hatches, it leaves the nest and begins its life. Look up “Phasmid Study Group” to learn all you would ever want to know.">