- Worshippers of God Spread in Saxony-Anhalt
The praying mantis continues to spread in Saxony-Anhalt, now reaching the northern parts of the state. In 2023, a record number of sightings, 3,320, were reported to the State Office for the Environment (LAU). The mantis has primarily settled in the southern region of Saxony-Anhalt, up to the heights of Halberstadt, Magdeburg, and Wittenberg, according to a spokesperson from the LAU. In 2022, the first individual sightings were recorded in Arendsee and Stendal.
The LAU first recorded the praying mantis in Saxony-Anhalt in 1991, in Magdeburg. However, the species was unable to establish itself at that time. The first breeding population was recorded in 2004 at the Geiseltal Lake. In the past five years, the LAU has observed a rapid spread of the species. Praying mantises are generally harmless, they cannot sting and are not poisonous. In the coming weeks, the authority expects the distinctive insect to continue spreading northwards in Saxony-Anhalt, with possible sightings in the area.
Other regions in Saxony-Anhalt might witness the praying mantis' expansion, given its current northward movement.Previous attempts by the praying mantis to establish itself in different areas of the state, such as Magdeburg in 1991, were unsuccessful, but 'Other' locations could potentially provide suitable habitats.
