09/01/2026
Our park office had a visitor this weekend, which got us thinking...
Are mantises invasive or native? 🦗
Well, there are around 2,400 species of mantises worldwide, but here in Pennsylvania, you’re most likely to encounter three: the Chinese mantis, European mantis, and Carolina mantis.
The Chinese and European mantises are invasive species.
Based on the size and coloring and mottled, dusty brown camouflage pattern, we can determine that our visitor was native to PA: the Carolina mantis (Stagmomantis carolina). Being smaller than its invasive relatives, the Carolina mantis fits naturally into our local food web and helps keep insect populations in check. 🐛
Mantises are generalist predators, meaning they eat a wide variety of insects and other arthropods. They’re ambush hunters, often staying perfectly still and using camouflage until unsuspecting prey comes within reach.
🌱 A mantis’ life is short but fascinating: In Pennsylvania’s cooler climate, adults typically live for about a year. Females lay egg cases in the fall before dying, and the eggs remain protected through the winter before hatching in spring.
And one more fun fact: despite their insect-like appearance, mantises’ closest living relatives are actually cockroaches and termites! 🤯
Next time you spot one on the trail, take a closer look, you may have found one of Pennsylvania’s fascinating native predators. 💚
