Burmeister's green mantis

Orthodera burmeisteri is an insect belonging to the order Mantodea and the family Mantidae. While generally regarded as a beneficial predator, its presence in high numbers within managed agricultural systems can be detrimental, as it indiscriminately hunts beneficial insects, including essential pollinators.

This species frequently inhabits a wide range of vegetable crops and ornamental plants. By predating on insects that contribute to ecosystem services, such as bees and natural pest regulators, the mantis can indirectly contribute to lower crop yields and higher rates of secondary pest infestations.

The biological development of this species follows a hemimetabolous cycle: egg, nymph, and adult. Females deposit eggs in protective oothecae attached to stems or substrates. The nymphs emerge in spring and undergo several molts, rapidly developing into agile hunters that occupy the foliage of host plants throughout the growing season.

The damage caused by this insect is primarily ecological. By disrupting the established population of predatory mites, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps, the mantis creates a void that allows populations of aphids and whiteflies to flourish unchecked, eventually necessitating more aggressive pest control measures.

To effectively manage the impact of Orthodera burmeisteri, the following strategies should be considered:

• Regular inspection and removal of oothecae during the winter and early spring months.
• Implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) to maintain a diverse insect community.
• Targeted manual removal of nymphs during peak hatching periods on high-value crops.
• Avoidance of non-selective broad-spectrum insecticides that harm beneficial predator species.