The praying mantis conquers Saxony-Anhalt: report your sightings!

The praying mantis conquers Saxony-Anhalt: report your sightings!

The praying mantis is increasingly becoming a showpiece in Saxony-Anhalt! The State Office for Environmental Protection (LAU) reports that the fascinating species, known asMantis religiosa, has now populated almost the entire state. In 2022, over 5,000 sightings were reported to the LAU, a clear sign of the ongoing trend of this particular mantis.

In order to collect even more information and observations, the LAU is calling on the public to report sightings. These should ideally be sent online or by email and include important details such as date, observer name, location and photos or videos. The data collected flows into a central species database, which benefits science and the conservation of this protected species.

The praying mantis' urge to spread

Climatic changes have allowed the praying mantis to conquer new habitats. Especially in the hot years of 2019 and 2020, a rapid spread was observed in the south of Saxony-Anhalt, as the state government website reveals. While the first observations took place in Magdeburg in 1991, the species has now established itself west of the Saale to the southern Harz and north to the city limits of Halle.

Biologist Marcel Seyring is optimistic and expects further spread and the closing of distribution gaps towards Lower Saxony. The praying mantis feels particularly comfortable in sunny, semi-dry lawns, heaths and gardens with taller grasses and perennials.

Origin and appearance of the praying mantis

Originally native to the Mediterranean region, the praying mantis was considered rare in Germany for a long time. These fascinating insects can grow up to 7.5 cm long: while males usually grow up to 5 cm, females reach sizes of up to 6 cm. Their more camouflaging appearance is light green or brownish and is based on the surrounding vegetation, which offers them a special survival strategy.

These animals feed mainly on insects such as wasps, bees and grasshoppers. Surprisingly, praying mantises are harmless to humans and do not bite or sting. However, they can sometimes get into homes by hanging around lamps in the evening. If a stray praying mantis gets into the house, it can be carefully caught and released outdoors.

A look back at the past few years

Since the 1990s, the spreading line of the praying mantis has been running through Germany, favored by climate change, which is bringing warmer temperatures and longer summers. Renaturation projects and natural gardens promote their spread, while intensive agriculture and pesticides are a hindrance.

Anyone who is interested in reporting or has a sighting themselves can do so conveniently via the LAU website or by email. In this way, everyone contributes to the documentation and protection of this fascinating species. You can find more information about this on the pages of LAU and on dubisthalle.de.