Chinese mantis

The Chinese mantis (Tenodera augustipennis) is a member of the order Mantodea and the family Mantidae. Native to East Asia, this species has been introduced to many other parts of the world. Its large size and voracious appetite make it a significant predator that can disrupt local insect populations.

The life cycle involves incomplete metamorphosis, including the egg, nymph, and adult stages. Females produce a large, foamy egg case known as an ootheca, which is attached to twigs or stems. The species overwinters in the egg stage within the ootheca, allowing it to survive varying climates and emerge in spring as nymphs.

While often marketed as a beneficial predator, the Chinese mantis is considered an invasive pest in many areas due to its lack of dietary specificity. It consumes native mantid species, as well as essential pollinators such as honeybees, bumblebees, and various butterflies, leading to a decline in overall biodiversity.

The damage caused by this insect is primarily indirect. By reducing the number of local pollinators, it negatively affects the fruit set and yield of many garden crops. Furthermore, by outcompeting native beneficial insects, it can lead to an increase in actual garden pests that are no longer kept in check by native natural enemies.

• Inspect imported plants and nursery stock for oothecae.
• Physically remove and destroy egg cases during the winter months.
• Promote the habitat of native predators to outcompete the invasive mantis.
• Monitor gardens for high densities of adult mantises in late summer.

Control strategies for the Chinese mantis focus on prevention and habitat management. Avoiding the translocation of nursery stock from infested areas is crucial for containment. Chemical control is generally not advised as it would harm the very native beneficial insects that the gardener aims to protect; therefore, manual removal remains the most sustainable approach.