Praying mantis species can be found all around the world. They are known for their unique appearance and fascinating behavior. There are more than 2400 species that are known so far. Praying mantis species play an important role in the ecosystem. Some species are invasive, some are species of concern, some are vulnerable, and some are threatened but none of them is endangered.
As a whole, even though many praying mantis species are rather rare, none of them is considered endangered or protected by law. Some species are considered species of concern, vulnerable, near threatened, or threatened.
In the following, you will learn more about the status of various praying mantis species in different parts of the world.
Are praying mantis endangered in the United States?
Despite common belief, praying mantis are not endangered in the United States or anywhere else in the world. And even though it would be a shame to kill such a precious little creature, it is not illegal.
There are around 20 different praying mantis species that can be found in different areas of the US, and some of them are considered threatened or species of concern. None of them are protected by law or endangered.
The most common praying mantis species in the United States are the European Mantis (Mantis Religiosa) and the Chinese Mantis (Tenodera Sinensis). These two species can be found in almost every state of the US. Some other species that can be found in the US are the Carolina Mantis (Stagmomantis Carolina), the Arizona Unicorn Mantis (Pseudovates Arizonae), the Mediterranean Mantis (Iris Oratoria), the Grizzled Mantis (Gonatista Grisea), as well as the Agile Ground Mantis (Litaneutria Minor).
Are praying mantis endangered in Canada?
There are three different praying mantis species that can be found in Canada. The Chinese Mantis (Tenodera Aridifolia), the Agile Ground Mantis (Litaneutria Minor), and the European Mantis (Mantis Religiosa).
None of these species is considered endangered, nor is any of them protected by law.
Praying mantis are rather common in Canada and can be found throughout many parts of the country.
Are praying mantis endangered in Europe?
There are a few praying mantis species that can be found in Europe such as the European Mantis (Mantis Religiosa), which is the most common species. It can be found in the warmer countries such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
There are a few other species that can be found in Europe, such as the Giant Asian Mantis (Indochina Mantis) in Italy, the Mediterranean Mantis (Iris Oratoria), and the Greek Mantis (Empusa Fasciata).
None of these species are considered threatened or endangered.
Why are praying mantis important to the ecosystem?
Even though praying mantis are not protected by law, or considered endangered, they still play an important role in the ecosystem and should be protected and not treated in any harmful way.
Praying mantis are carnivorous and natural predators of many insects, including pests, that can damage crops and other plants. In order to control the pest population and reduce the damage they cause, praying mantis can be very helpful in gardens and fields.
They are not only predators, but also prey to many animals such as birds, lizards, and some others. Just like most living creatures, they are a part of the ecosystem and since they donβt do any harm to humans nor eat crops or damage plants, there is no need to get rid of them or kill them.
Do you want to know more about these fascinating creatures? Check out more articles about praying mantis:
How big do praying mantis get?
Can you keep a praying mantis as a Pet?
Can a praying mantis recognize a human?
How do praying mantis communicate with each other?
Lisa is one of the two founders of Animal-Knowledge. She has been very interested in animals and insects from a very young age and has owned different kinds of pets such as snails, ants, fish, turtles, mice, rats, hamsters, rabbits, a dog, β¦ you get the idea π