This rare insect is spreading rapidly.
The praying mantis is spreading rapidly, with warmer temperatures and a hot late summer leading to a dramatic increase in sightings. More than 15,000 reports have already been recorded in Germany since early July.
The Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU), Germany’s Nature Conservation Association, records praying mantis sightings through an online reporting platform. By mid-August, the organization had received more than 15,000 reports—significantly more than during the whole of the previous year.
Experts point to rising temperatures linked to climate change as one of the main reasons behind the insect’s growing presence. The unusually warm late summer is also creating favorable conditions for the species, which was once considered a rare exotic visitor in the region.
Despite its striking appearance, the praying mantis poses no threat to humans. The female’s bright green body and powerful front legs can make the insect look intimidating, but it is actually a highly skilled predator that feeds on creatures such as spiders, wild bees and flies.
The insect is also famous for its unusual behavior toward its own species. Praying mantises are cannibalistic and can sometimes eat other mantises. The European praying mantis, scientifically known as Mantis religiosa, is particularly notorious for the behavior of its females after mating.
The European praying mantis can grow to around eight centimeters, while the male is considerably smaller. According to the report, roughly one-third of males die shortly after mating because they are eaten by the female. The insects find potential mates using pheromones that humans cannot see or smell.
People who discover a praying mantis in their garden do not need to be alarmed. The insects are harmless to humans and are attracted to flowering plants because these also attract their prey. If one enters a building, gently releasing it back outdoors is recommended.