Here’s a brief update on the latest about harmful mantis species in Europe, with citations to recent reporting.
Direct answer
- Recent studies and press coverage ( Feb–Apr 2026 ) identify two Asian mantis species, Hierodula tenuidentata and Hierodula patellifera, as invasive in Europe and assess their ecological threats as significant. These findings describe expanded distributions across Mediterranean and continental Europe, potential impacts on native mantises, pollinators, and small vertebrates, and emphasize the need for monitoring and public involvement in control efforts. Several outlets summarize these results as a concerning spread of large, predatory mantises beyond their native range in Asia.[2][3][4][5]
Background and context
- What makes them harmful: the research highlights increased predation pressure on native insects, risk to pollinators like honeybees, and aggressive interactions that can depress native mantis populations via lethal mating dynamics, creating potential cascading effects in ecosystems. The reports stress that these species have become established enough to warrant formal IAS (invasive alien species) status in parts of Europe.[4][2]
- Geographic scope: Italy, France, and other parts of southern and central Europe are repeatedly cited as areas with established or rapidly expanding populations, with northward and inland movements noted in some sources. Other summaries mention the Mediterranean basin as a hotspot for invasion and spread into additional regions.[3][6][8]
Illustrative note
- Practical citizen science and management ideas are being discussed, including targeted removal of oothecae (egg cases) during winter in some reports, though experts caution that accurate species identification is crucial to avoid harming native mantises.[2][4]
If you’d like, I can compile a concise, source-linked briefing tailored to your location in Copenhagen (how relevant these European findings might be for northern Europe, and any implications for local biodiversity monitoring). I can also set up a quick map of reported European occurrences and provide recommended citizen-science steps for reporting sightings.
Sources
A 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.orgThese mantises are increasingly posing a threat to local biodiversity through intense predation and competition for reproduction.
scitechdaily.comIn the realm of entomology, few creatures command as much fascination as the mantis. Throughout history, these striking insects have been deeply woven into local myths and legends, sometimes respected as mystical soothsayers that can guide lost travelers home, and other times feared as little devils.
phys.orgThese mantises are increasingly threatening local biodiversity through aggressive predation and reproductive competition.
blog.pensoft.netUniversity research confirms Hierodula tenuidentata and patellifera as invasive threats across Europe. Spread, impacts on biodiversity, citizen science role, a…
www.academicjobs.comThe Asian mantises Hierodula tenuidentata and Hierodula patellifera have recently emerged as significant invasive threats to European biodiversity, challenging longstanding ecological balances
bioengineer.orgNew 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.
www.thecooldown.com