New Evidence Confirms the Status of the Giant Asian Mantis in Europe
These mantises are increasingly threatening local biodiversity through aggressive predation and reproductive competition.
blog.pensoft.netHere’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting up to 2026.
- Two Asian mantis species are now widely discussed as invasive in Europe. Reports identify Hierodula tenuidentata (Giant Asian mantis) and Hierodula patellifera (Indochina mantis) as IAS candidates with established populations in several European countries.[2][3][5]
- The news emphasizes northward and westward expansion across the Mediterranean and into parts of central and northern Europe, with documented sightings and citizen-science alerts contributing to awareness and monitoring efforts.[4][5][2]
- Authorities and researchers warn of ecological impacts, including competition with native mantises, potential effects on pollinators and other insects, and altered predator–prey dynamics in affected habitats.[3][2]
- Public participation is highlighted as valuable for monitoring, identifying egg cases (oothecae) and reporting sightings, though identification accuracy is critical to avoid harming native species.[2][3]
If you’d like, I can assemble a concise timeline of confirmed sightings by country or pull out practical control measures and citizen-science steps for the public. I can also provide a brief map-style summary of the latest northern reach and known hotspots. Please tell me which format you prefer.
References:
- Reports on invasive status and spread of Hierodula tenuidentata and Hierodula patellifera in Europe.[5][3][2]
- Open-access coverage discussing IAS designation and ecological concerns.[3]