Insect · GBIF taxon 6258028
European Mantis
Mantis religiosaAlso known as Praying Mantis
European mantises are formidable ambush predators that blend seamlessly into foliage using shades of vivid green or straw brown. They possess a distinctive black-ringed bullseye mark on the underside of their front coxae, which serves to intimidate predators when displayed in a threat posture. Females are renowned for their voracious appetites and occasional sexual cannibalism during late autumn mating.
PredatoryCamouflagedInvertebrate
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flies
- Grasshoppers
- Moths
Predators
- Birds
- Lizards
- Spiders
ThreatsPesticide application and habitat loss
HabitatsMeadows, grasslands, gardens, pastures, and dry open fields
Life span8–12 months
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderMantodea
- FamilyMantidae
- GenusMantis
- SpeciesMantis religiosa
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a small nip or spine prick if handled; observe without grabbing.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look on tall grasses, flowerheads, and sunny garden shrubs during late summer.
- Approaching: Move smoothly and slowly to avoid triggering a defensive posture or flight.
Competitor Kaldari / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative Luc Viatour / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Siga / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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Emerald Kingdom
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