Giant Asian Mantis Invasive in Europe: New Study - Academic Jobs
University research confirms Hierodula tenuidentata and patellifera as invasive threats across Europe. Spread, impacts on biodiversity, citizen science role, a…
www.academicjobs.comHere’s the latest on harmful mantis species in Europe.
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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]
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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]
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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]
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Practical actions for the public in Europe (and specifically Central Europe):
- Learn to correctly identify Hierodula species to avoid harming native mantises during control efforts.
- Report suspected sightings to local biodiversity or invasive-species programs and participate in citizen-science monitoring.
- In winter, search for and carefully remove oothecae (egg cases) on vegetation to reduce new populations, following guidance from experts to avoid unintended ecological damage.[6]
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]