European praying mantis conquers Saxony-Anhalt: your sightings count!

European praying mantis conquers Saxony-Anhalt: your sightings count!

In recent years, the European praying mantis has become a real success story in Saxony-Anhalt. Since the 1990s, this striking insect species has been moving north and increasingly conquering new habitats. Sightings were first documented in Magdeburg in 1991, but the spread is progressing rapidly. Loud MDR The praying mantis is now native to almost all regions of Saxony-Anhalt, with the exception of the Harz and the western borders of Lower Saxony.

Yesterday specimens were spotted for the first time in the north of the country. This prompted the State Office for Environmental Protection to launch a major notification to the public. Citizens are encouraged to report their sightings online or by email. To aid in the survey, reports should include information on the date, name of the observer, exact location and a photo. The contact address for reports is: artenmelde@lau.mwu.sachsen-anhalt.de.

Record-breaking sightings

In 2023, 3,320 sightings have already been recorded, which is a new record! Last year there were over 5,000 reports that found their way into the state office's central species database. What is particularly interesting is that the praying mantis is mainly found in the southern regions of Saxony-Anhalt such as Halberstadt, Magdeburg and Wittenberg, while the first individual observations in the north of the country, near Arendsee and Stendal, were only recorded this year.

Climate change in particular seems to be playing into the hands of the praying mantis. The species benefits from rising temperatures and spreads by preferring dry meadows and bush landscapes with lots of flowers. These habitats enable the praying mantis, as a lurking hunter, to catch its prey in an impressive 60 milliseconds.

The praying mantis – a species worth protecting

The praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) is the only species of mantis in Europe and is completely harmless to humans. It cannot sting or bite and is also not poisonous. For nature lovers and garden owners, it is even a useful insect that keeps pests at bay. The state office sees the praying mantis as a particularly protected species that cannot be caught, injured or killed.

Thanks to the support of committed citizens, the spread of the praying mantis has now been actively monitored for four years. The numerous reports in recent years, especially in 2018 (7 sightings), 2019 (110 sightings) and 2021 (almost 400 sightings), show the increasing popularity of this fascinating insect species in Saxony-Anhalt. For many residents it is now a real joy to discover the praying mantis in their surroundings.

The praying mantis' enthusiasm for expeditions continues unabated - and the people of Saxony-Anhalt are also called upon to document the spread. The State Office for Environmental Protection invites everyone to help record these fascinating animals. Anyone who makes a sighting should not hesitate and report their observations in order to make a valuable contribution to species protection. Together we can ensure that the praying mantis continues to have a home in our region in the future.