Here’s the latest on harmful mantis species in Europe.
Summary of the situation: Two Asian mantis species, Hierodula tenuidentata and Hierodula patellifera, have been formally identified as invasive alien species (IAS) in Europe. Their populations have surged in the last few years, spreading from the Mediterranean into continental Europe and posing risks to native biodiversity.[3][5][6]
Why this matters: These species can outcompete native mantises, alter insect and plant-pollinator communities, and affect broader ecosystems. Reports highlight higher reproduction rates and predation on native species, along with potential impacts on pollinators and small vertebrates.[5][6]
Evidence and sources: Open-access studies and press releases from multiple outlets confirm the IAS designation and describe ecological risks, with calls for public participation in monitoring and management, including citizen science and targeted removal of egg cases (oothecae) during winter to curb reproduction.[6][3][5]
Practical actions for the public in Europe (and specifically Central Europe):
Illustration: An example of the management guidance emphasizes removing egg cases on leafless branches in winter as a practical control step, while stressing accurate identification to protect native mantises.[6]
If you’d like, I can pull a short, sourced briefing tailored to Prague or the Czech Republic, including local monitoring organizations and any ongoing citizen-science projects you could join. I can also summarize the key species features to help you distinguish them from native mantises.[6]
The Asian mantises Hierodula tenuidentata and Hierodula patellifera have recently emerged as significant invasive threats to European biodiversity, challenging longstanding ecological balances
bioengineer.orgThese mantises are increasingly threatening local biodiversity through aggressive predation and reproductive competition.
blog.pensoft.netIn the realm of entomology, few creatures command as much fascination as the mantis. Throughout history, these striking insects have been deeply woven
www.miragenews.comA recent study in the Journal of Orthoptera Research has officially classified two Asian mantis species, Hierodula tenuidentata and Hierodula patellifera, as Invasive Alien Species in Europe. These large, adaptable predators are outcompeting native populations through higher reproductive rates, luring native males into fatal mating attempts, and preying on protected vertebrates and pollinators. To combat their climate-driven expansion, researchers are calling for public vigilance and...
www.eurekalert.orgUniversity research confirms Hierodula tenuidentata and patellifera as invasive threats across Europe. Spread, impacts on biodiversity, citizen science role, a…
www.academicjobs.comNew evidence from Journal of Orthoptera Research verifies Hierodula mantises as invasive across Europe. Discover spread, impacts, citizen science, and ecology…
www.academicjobs.comThe populations of two invasive mantis species have exploded in Europe in recent years, threatening local ecosystems and qualifying them as invasive species, according to a recent study.
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