It even eats birds: Why the Asian praying mantis is raising alarm in Mallorca

It even eats birds: Why the Asian praying mantis is raising alarm in Mallorca

Main question: Can we prevent a foreign giant praying mantis from upsetting the island's ecological balance?

At the market in Santa Catalina a vendor sits between crates of oranges, and a ten-year-old boy excitedly shows his parents a strange, large insect on a lemon tree. It is noticeably larger than the native praying mantis, more compact, almost imposing. Such scenes tell more than dry numbers: people are finding animals that did not occur here before. In recent months, specimens of the Asian genera Hierodula — larger than our native mantids and with a broader hunting spectrum — have been reported in Spain. Researchers warn that, aided by mild winters, they could take hold here.

Critical analysis: What makes these newcomers dangerous? Size alone is not the problem. Larger predators hunt differently. A Hierodula can not only catch larger insects but, according to reports, also prey on lizards, frogs and in some cases very small birds. This puts it in direct competition with native predators and threatens species such as the local praying mantis, which can occasionally become a victim itself; comparable invasive interactions have been observed, for instance a case of cannibalism among invasive snakes on Mallorca. Added to this is the reproductive dynamic: females lay egg cases with several hundred embryos that can survive in a mild climate. If enough food and hiding places are available, populations can grow quickly.

An essential point is often missing from the public debate: the question of introduction pathways and prevention. Much is spoken about invasive species in general, but less about concrete measures along trade chains. Eggs stick to plants, packaging and wooden parts. Adult animals can be transported, but they can also spread actively. If the only answer is to observe and report, that is not enough.

The problem becomes tangible on Mallorca: in the pines along Platja de Palma and in the alleys of Palma other neobiota have appeared in recent years; for example, the first Oriental hornet nest was discovered on Mallorca; many people notice changes only in passing, between the sound of scooters and the scent of freshly brewed café con leche. This normality is deceptive: invasive animals trivialize our everyday perception until they become established.

So what to do? Concrete, immediately implementable steps are possible and should be linked to long-term strategies. In the short term, a better reporting system is needed: a central reporting office for findings in the Balearics, easily accessible via app or hotline, complemented by clear photo and collection instructions. Authorities and research institutions must be able to take samples without bureaucratic hurdles.

In the medium term, controls along the import chain are necessary: stricter phytosanitary inspections for ornamental plants from risk regions, mandatory accompanying documents for containers and training for gardening businesses and garden centers. Mallorca depends on tourism and the plant trade; neither should become a gateway for non-native species entering the ecosystems.

In the long term, the island needs a network of science, administration and citizens: regular surveys in port and airport zones, studies on spread dynamics under Mediterranean conditions and targeted investigations into how competing native species are affected. Parallel public education in schools and at weekly markets is important — people should know that a found specimen should be reported, not moved or killed unnecessarily.

Practical interventions must be carefully weighed: intentionally introducing predators would be poor advice; wide-scale poisons do more harm than good, as shown by poisoned baits that left three red kites dead. More effective are locally limited measures such as collecting adult animals in residential areas, removing egg cases by qualified teams and targeted destruction of contaminated plant stock. Such operations must be accompanied by scientific monitoring to avoid side effects.

Public discourse often loses sight of the small scale: individual reports are treated as sensational stories without the establishment of sustained monitoring. Mallorca currently lacks a visible crisis plan communicated by the island government or municipalities. Myths quickly fill the vacuum: from 'monsters' on the beach to exaggerated advice to burn all lawn grass. Such reactions undermine trust in factual measures.

Conclusion: There is still time to act, but not much. The combination of trade routes, flying animals and a warming climate increases the risk that species like Hierodula will become established. That means: take the threat seriously, observe, act quickly and above all plan sensibly. On the Passeig Mallorca you can hear the sea, pedestrians stroll, and yet here a decision is being made about whether a foreign predator will remain a curiosity or become part of our everyday life. A pragmatic, transparent approach can prevent Mallorca from becoming quieter one day — not because it has grown peaceful, but because species have disappeared.