Here’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]
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.orgUniversity research confirms Hierodula tenuidentata and patellifera as invasive threats across Europe. Spread, impacts on biodiversity, citizen science role, a…
www.academicjobs.comUniversity research confirms Hierodula tenuidentata and patellifera as invasive threats across Europe. Spread, impacts on biodiversity, citizen science role, a…
www.academicjobs.comThese mantises are increasingly threatening local biodiversity through aggressive predation and reproductive competition.
blog.pensoft.netThe first presence records of the Giant African Mantis Sphodromantis viridis(Forskål, 1775) (Insecta Mantoidea) are reported for Sicily and Greece, with new evidences on the human-mediated spreading of this species in the Mediterranean area. In
www.academia.eduThe Asian mantises Hierodula tenuidentata and Hierodula patellifera have recently emerged as significant invasive threats to European biodiversity, challenging longstanding ecological balances
bioengineer.orgIn the realm of entomology, few creatures command as much fascination as the mantis. Throughout history, these striking insects have been deeply woven
www.miragenews.comNew evidence from Journal of Orthoptera Research verifies Hierodula mantises as invasive across Europe. Discover spread, impacts, citizen science, and ecology…
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