Montana Field Guide

This species is the classic "praying mantis" most are familiar with. The species is native to Eurasia and has been accidentally and intentionally introduced to the United States and Canada. This species can be separated from the two native ground mantis species based on general appearance and size. Adults range in length from 4.2 to 8.8 cm (1.7 to 3.5 in). Small adults are slightly larger than the largest ground mantids. As the species is released into gardens to control insect populations individuals are often encountered in urban and exurban environments. Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis) is also released to control pests, and may be confused with this species. European Mantis has a characteristic "Bulls Eye" on the forearm. Chinese Mantis has a more pronounced lateral stripe on the abdomen and ridging between the eyes giving the animal's head a "striped" appearance.

The environmental impacts of this nonnative species have not been studied in Montana. It is a generalist predator as likely to prey on beneficial pollinators and small birds as garden pests, and may impact native species through predation or competition.