The Discovery: University Researchers Confirm Invasive Status

Recent research from Italian entomologists has delivered compelling evidence that two species of giant Asian mantises—Hierodula tenuidentata (commonly known as the Giant Asian Mantis or Taiwan mantis) and Hierodula patellifera (Indochina mantis)—are now firmly established as invasive alien species (IAS) across multiple European countries. Published in the Journal of Orthoptera Research on February 9, 2026, the study titled "Call me invasive: Testing the first impacts of the alien mantises Hierodula patellifera and Hierodula tenuidentata on European biodiversity" marks a pivotal moment in European ecology. Led by Romano Battiston from the Museo Civico “G. Zannato” in Montecchio Maggiore, Vicenza, with contributions from citizen science experts William Di Pietro and Antonio Fasano from GRIO, the paper synthesizes years of field data, behavioral observations, and public reports to elevate these mantises from emerging concerns to confirmed threats.

These large, tree-dwelling predators, native to East and Southeast Asia, have been quietly proliferating in Europe for over a decade. Initial sightings date back to 2018 in Italy for H. tenuidentata, but their populations have exploded, aided by warmer climates and human-altered landscapes. The study's formal classification under IUCN EICAT guidelines and EU Regulation 1143/2014 underscores the urgency, highlighting how these mantises exploit urban parks, gardens, and suburbs—environments rich in artificial shelters like insect hotels that shield their oothecae (egg cases) from winter cold.

European universities play a crucial role here. Institutions like the University of Bologna, where Battiston has collaborated on prior mantis studies, exemplify how entomology departments drive IAS monitoring. Student-led field surveys and lab analyses of predation patterns are integral, training the next generation in biodiversity conservation.Explore research positions in European ecology.

Biological Profile: Why These Mantises Thrive in Europe

The Giant Asian Mantis species boast impressive biology that fuels their invasiveness. Females produce oothecae containing around 200 nymphs each—nearly double the 100-150 of the native European mantis Mantis religiosa. Low nymph cannibalism rates further boost survival, allowing rapid population growth in new habitats. These mantises grow to 10 cm, with powerful raptorial forelegs suited for ambushing diverse prey, from pollinators like honeybees and wasps to small vertebrates such as lizards and tree frogs.

Adaptability is key: They favor perching on shrubs and trees in sunny, sheltered spots, perfectly matching Mediterranean and urban European conditions. Urban heat islands extend their active season, while global trade—via potted plants, bonsai imports, and trains—facilitates passive dispersal. A 2023 study mapped H. tenuidentata's spread west of the 37th meridian, confirming records in Italy, France, Romania, Serbia, Greece, Spain, Slovenia, Albania, and Ukraine.

University labs across Europe, including those at the Natural History Museum in Hungary and Italian civic museums affiliated with universities, have documented this via genetic analysis and life-cycle dissections. For aspiring ecologists, such research offers hands-on opportunities in invasive species biology.Learn how to land roles in biodiversity research.

Geographic Spread: Mapping the Invasion Across Europe

The invasion spans the Mediterranean basin and beyond. Italy leads with established populations in Veneto, Sicily, and northern regions since 2018 for H. tenuidentata and 2020 for H. patellifera. France reports H. patellifera via citizen alerts, while Romania (2021), Serbia (2021), and Greece show northward pushes. Related Hierodula transcaucasica appears in Spain, Slovenia, Albania, and Ukraine, hinting at genus-wide expansion.

• Italy: Epicenter, fragmented sub-populations in north and south, reproducing actively.
• France: Southern records, urban gardens.
• Balkans (Romania, Serbia, Greece): Recent establishments, trade-linked.
• Iberian Peninsula & Islands: Potential via shipping to Balearics, Malta.

Climate models predict further northwards shift with warming, threatening Central Europe. Universities like the University of Padua (Italy) and French institutions contribute distribution maps from iNaturalist data, involving student volunteers in georeferencing sightings.

Over 2,300 citizen reports underscore the scale, analyzed by GRIO—a project blending university expertise with public participation.

Ecological Impacts: Predation and Competition Threats

These mantises disrupt food webs as generalist predators. Observations confirm attacks on wasps (Vespa crabro), butterflies (Argynnis paphia), locusts (Anacridium aegyptium), cicadas, stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys), honeybees, lizards, and frogs. Native M. religiosa suffers reproductive interference: Males court invasive females, only to be cannibalized, depressing populations of this bioindicator species.

Cats mitigate somewhat (45% predation events), but overall, invaders alter arthropod communities, reduce pollinators, and cascade to vertebrates. On Mediterranean islands with endemics, risks amplify. A meta-analysis shows mantid invasions reshape ecosystems, with species identity dictating severity.

European university ecology programs, such as at the University of Bologna, quantify these via stable isotope analysis and interaction webs, training PhD students in impact assessment.

Photo by Erik Karits on Unsplash

Citizen Science and University-Led Monitoring

Citizen science is pivotal, with GRIO collecting 2,300+ reports via apps like iNaturalist. Universities coordinate: Italian teams verify oothecae (2-3cm brown spongy cases on winter branches), distinguishing invaders from natives. Public removal campaigns empower communities, but specialist consultation prevents errors.

This model exemplifies higher ed outreach—student projects analyze data, fostering public-university partnerships. Similar initiatives at French and Romanian universities expand monitoring.Discover higher ed opportunities in Europe.

Research Methods: From Fieldwork to Behavioral Tests

The study integrates field surveys, ootheca dissections, predation videos, and behavioral assays. Fuzzy interaction webs predict impacts; citizen data maps density. Universities employ DNA barcoding for confirmation, with labs at Museo Civico and Bologna handling specimens.

Timeline: 2018 Italy first record; 2020 France/Serbia; 2021 Romania; 2026 full invasive status. Prior works (Battiston 2018-2023) track via railways/trade.

Management Challenges and University Solutions

EU Regulation 1143/2014 mandates action, but early detection lags. Challenges: Parthenogenesis potential, trade vectors. Solutions: Winter ootheca removal, public education, biosurveillance apps. Universities propose GRIO-like networks, training via management guidelines.

Stakeholders: Ecologists, policymakers, citizens. Future: AI mapping, genetic controls from labs like Bologna's.Join invasive species research teams.

Implications for Biodiversity Research in European Higher Ed

This invasion spotlights university roles in IAS science. Programs at Bologna, Padua, and French unis integrate fieldwork, offering fieldwork for ecology students. Funding via EU Horizon boosts monitoring, creating jobs in conservation biology.

Citizen-university collaborations enhance data, vital for PhDs. Impacts extend to agriculture (pollinator loss) and health (vector potential), interdisciplinary opportunities abound.

Photo by Erik Karits on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Predicting Further Spread and Responses

With warming, expect Alpine footholds. Universities model via climate envelopes, forecasting Central Europe risks. Actionable insights: Early warning systems, trade inspections. Positive: Natural predators like cats; research yields management tools.

Optimism via proactive academia: Student theses on biocontrol, EU-funded consortia.

Call to Action: Engage in Conservation Research

Europe's universities lead the fight—report sightings, join GRIO, pursue ecology degrees. For careers, explore higher ed jobs, rate professors, or career advice. Protect biodiversity through science.View university positions.