The Asian mantises Hierodula tenuidentata and Hierodula patellifera are known alien species rapidly spreading in the last few years in the Mediterranean and continental Europe, especially in urban and suburban habitats, although their invasive nature is debated. This study investigated the first set of impacts of these species on European ecosystems, measuring the prolificacy and reproductive potential with inferences on native mantises, the presence of positive and negative interactions with other species—both as prey and predators—and other peculiar behaviors leading to possible ecosystemic impacts. Laboratory data has shown high reproductive output, with H. tenuidentata hatching on average 209 nymphs per ootheca, about twice that of the native Mantis religiosa , and low cannibalism rates during first instars, supporting rapid and competitive population growth. Behavioral tests revealed reproductive interference: M. religiosa males are attracted to Hierodula females and are therefore preyed upon, a “fatal attraction” that may reduce mating success in native species. A large set of citizen science reports (over 2,300 records) document Hierodula predation on a wide range of native species, from pollinators to small vertebrates often protected by EU legislation, such as Podarcis muralis and Hyla perrini . Hierodula mantises show trophic generalism, preying on a wide range of insect taxa and occasionally competing with native mantises or even hornets, revealed to be their main natural predators. Their use of human-modified environments and artificial refuges highlights their adaptability. The different impacts recorded and measured here are discussed within the IUCN criteria for invasive species, confirming the Hierodula in Europe as invasive alien species.
Battiston et al. (Fri,) studied this question.