GIANT ASIAN MANTIS
(Hierodula)
(Hierodula)
The tree mantis is a skilled insect hunter, camouflaging itself into its surroundings. Known for its lightning-fast strike and stillness, it patiently waits in ambush for its prey.
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Description
The giant Asian mantis resembles the common mantis in appearance but stands out with its large head, compact and short body, and distinctive white spots on the wings. Its color can vary from brown to green or yellow, depending on environmental conditions. The body length of males is 44–59 mm, while females range from 55–75 mm.
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Biology
The female mantis lays eggs in oothecae — a foamy mass that hardens when exposed to air. She typically places about three oothecae on tree and shrub branches. The larvae feed on aphids, while adult mantises hunt large flying insects, other arthropods, and even small vertebrates. In India, there was a case where a giant Asian mantis ate a guppy fish. This is a highly predatory insect that hides in tree and shrub canopies, waiting to ambush its prey. Adult mantises live for about 55–60 days.
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Habitat
The natural habitat of the giant Asian mantis includes woody and shrubby vegetation. It is usually found in gardens, riparian (tugai) forests with turanga and oleaster, and in mountainous regions up to 1700 meters above sea level.
In Kazakhstan, the giant Asian mantis is found in the southern and southeastern regions, including the city of Almaty. In 2022, a single specimen was discovered in the Mangystau region, likely introduced by accident.
In Kazakhstan, the giant Asian mantis is found in the southern and southeastern regions, including the city of Almaty. In 2022, a single specimen was discovered in the Mangystau region, likely introduced by accident.
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Range
The giant Asian mantis is widely distributed in South and Central Asia, but recent sightings have also been reported in Europe.
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Threats to the species
The primary threat to the giant Asian mantis is habitat degradation. In Kazakhstan, the species inhabits riparian forests, which are shrinking due to the drying of rivers.
However, there is speculation that climate warming may be increasing the population of this species. Fifty years ago, the giant Asian mantis could not survive the cold winters in Almaty, but now its eggs can successfully overwinter in oothecae outdoors.
However, there is speculation that climate warming may be increasing the population of this species. Fifty years ago, the giant Asian mantis could not survive the cold winters in Almaty, but now its eggs can successfully overwinter in oothecae outdoors.
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Conservation projects in Kazakhstan
There are currently no special conservation programs for the giant Asian mantis in Kazakhstan. However, it is protected in the Karatau State Nature Reserve, Altyn-Emel National Park, and Sayram-Ugam National Park.
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