- Devotees of Divinity Dispersed Across North Rhine-Westphalia
The European praying mantis is becoming more prevalent in North Rhine-Westphalia. This heat-loving insect has been expanding its range from the Mosel and Rhine valleys towards the north due to climate change, and is moving towards the Emsland region, as per experts from the LWL Natural History Museum in Münster, who examined data from the Observation.org observation platform. People can report observations and discoveries of various animal species on this platform.
Despite its primary habitat being in the Mediterranean region, the praying mantis has been migrating northward with rising average temperatures, according to naturalists. "It's evident that these insects, which can grow up to eight centimeters long, have established themselves in certain areas here and have been reproducing for several years," explains Dr. Jan Ole Kriegs, director of the LWL Museum for Natural History in Münster.
From the Mediterranean to the Ruhr region
Citizen reports of sightings in NRW have been on the rise. According to the research group, most praying mantises are reported in the southwest of the region. So far, this species has predominantly inhabited the Lower Rhine region and is now spreading towards the Ruhr area and the valleys of the Rhenish Slate Mountains.
Spotting this species outside its main distribution area, such as in Münster or the Lower Saxony county of Bentheim, is likely due to individual specimens being transported there: "The insects could be transported by freight traffic, like by train, and establish isolated populations," Kriegs explains. This is also facilitated by the females' ability to lay unfertilized egg packets, from which young can still hatch - a process known as parthenogenesis.
Named for its feather-like antennae
The European praying mantis belongs to the order of praying mantises. It is named for its two feather-like antennae, which are held in front of the body in a resting position and resemble arms raised in prayer. These spiky antennae serve as an effective hunting tool: By making swift strikes, they can efficiently catch smaller insects like grasshoppers or flies. Praying mantises prefer dry, warm grass and bush landscapes as habitats and require adequate food sources.
The European praying mantis, famously known for its feather-like antennae, has now been regularly spotted in the valleys of the Rhenish Slate Mountains, expanding its range from the original Moselle region. Tracing its journey, experts noted that this species, which can grow up to eight centimeters long, has moved from the Mediterranean region, through the Mosel and Rhine valleys, and is now approaching the Ruhr area.
