The Breakthrough Study in Journal of Orthoptera Research

A groundbreaking study published on February 9, 2026, in the Journal of Orthoptera Research has provided compelling new evidence confirming the invasive status of two giant Asian mantis species across Europe. Titled "Call me invasive: Testing the first impacts of the alien mantises Hierodula patellifera and Hierodula tenuidentata (Mantodea, Mantidae) on the Canary Islands (Spain)," the research details how these large predators have established self-sustaining populations, posing risks to native biodiversity.

Led by entomologist Roberto Battiston and colleagues from Italian research groups, including the GRIO citizen science initiative, the paper synthesizes over 2,300 public reports to map distribution and assess early ecological effects. This publication marks a pivotal moment in European entomology, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary research in invasive species management.

The study focuses on the Canary Islands as a case study but extrapolates findings to broader Mediterranean and continental Europe, where sightings have surged in urban parks and gardens. Universities across Italy, Spain, and France are now integrating these findings into biodiversity curricula, underscoring the role of academic research in addressing climate-driven invasions.

Biology of the Giant Asian Mantises

Hierodula tenuidentata, commonly known as the giant Asian mantis, and H. patellifera, the Indochina mantis, are formidable predators native to Southeast Asia, India, and China. Adults can reach 10 cm in length, with females larger and more robust, featuring striking green bodies, prominent raptorial forelegs, and a characteristic triangular head that swivels 180 degrees for hunting.

These mantises are arboreal ambush hunters, thriving in warm, humid environments but showing remarkable adaptability. Each female produces multiple oothecae (egg cases)—foamy, brownish structures 2-3 cm long—containing an average of 200 nymphs. This reproductive output is nearly double that of the native European praying mantis (Mantis religiosa), which averages around 100 nymphs per case. Low rates of cannibalism among nymphs further boost survival, allowing rapid population establishment.

European universities like the University of Trento and museums collaborating with academic departments have documented these traits through lab and field studies, emphasizing their implications for ecosystem dynamics.

Timeline of the Invasion Across Europe

The incursion began around 2013-2016 in southern Europe. H. tenuidentata was first noted in Italy, with records from Sicily and the mainland, followed by France's Provence region. By 2019, it reached Hungary and Croatia, while H. patellifera appeared in Italy and spread to Spain.

Recent explosions in numbers have pushed populations northward into continental areas, including parks in central Italy and the Balkans (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, Greece). The Canary Islands study confirms breeding populations on Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Maps from citizen databases show a westward and northward trajectory, accelerated by global trade and pet releases.

Climate warming extends their active season, with urban heat islands aiding overwintering. Academic monitoring at institutions like the University of Barcelona and French universities tracks this via iNaturalist and GRIO platforms.

Citizen Science Driving the Research

The GRIO project, an Italian-led citizen science effort since 2003, has been instrumental, collecting 2,300+ reports via apps and websites like mantidialiene.netsons.org. Enthusiasts submit photos for verification, enabling real-time mapping and impact assessment.

This collaborative model involves students from biology departments across Europe, fostering hands-on learning in entomology and data analysis. Universities partner with GRIO for field courses, turning public observations into peer-reviewed data for the Journal study.

Participatory science not only accelerates discovery but also builds public awareness, crucial for invasive species control. For aspiring researchers, projects like GRIO offer entry points into research jobs in ecology.

Photo by Skyler Ewing on Unsplash

Ecological Impacts and Predation Patterns

The study reveals direct threats: invasive mantises prey on pollinators (honeybees, wasps), beneficial insects (Muscidae flies, Vespa crabro hornets), and even small vertebrates like lizards and tree frogs. They lure native mantis males with pheromones, leading to fatal mating cannibalism.

• 45% of observed predation events on invasives by domestic cats, providing natural control but harming natives too.
• High consumption of Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera disrupts pollination.
• Displacement of M. religiosa as ecosystem bioindicators.

On Canary Islands, they exploit artificial insect hotels, turning conservation tools against locals. Long-term, cascading effects on food webs could impact agriculture, prompting ag university studies in Spain and Italy.

Role of Climate Change and Human Factors

Warming temperatures enable northward push, with milder winters allowing oothecae survival. Pet trade imports via terrariums lead to releases, while global shipping vectors adults/nymphs.

Urbanization provides perches and heat. European research consortia, including EU-funded projects at universities like Bologna, model future spread under IPCC scenarios, predicting further expansion into central Europe by 2030.

Comparison with Native Praying Mantis

Native M. religiosa (European mantis) is smaller (7-8 cm), less fecund, and more cannibalistic among young. Invasives outcompete via superior numbers and aggression, potentially hybridizing or sexually parasitizing natives.

Biology departments at Oxford and other unis use this as case study for invasion biology courses.

Management Strategies and University-Led Initiatives

Winter removal of exposed oothecae is recommended—crush or drown them after specialist ID. Avoid pesticides; promote native plants. GRIO apps aid reporting.

Universities lead biocontrol research, e.g., parasitoid wasps. For careers, explore higher ed research jobs in invasive species. EU Horizon programs fund uni collaborations.

Photo by Tarryn Grignet on Unsplash

Implications for Higher Education and Research

This publication exemplifies how museum-uni partnerships drive impactful science. Entomology programs at unis like Padua and Barcelona expand, training students in GIS mapping and stats for invasion modeling. PhD opportunities abound in biodiversity conservation.

Check university jobs in Europe for ecology roles. Rate professors via Rate My Professor for top courses.

Future Outlook: Monitoring and Prevention

Without action, spread to northern Europe by 2040. Ongoing citizen-uni monitoring essential. Positive: boosts public engagement in science. Explore higher ed career advice for invasive biology paths. Internal links to higher ed jobs, university jobs, rate my professor.