Can The Praying Mantis Bite Or Sting, Or Is It Poisonous?

The praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) Is completely harmless, even if it may look a bit scary to some people (photo: Malcantone, Ticino, CH)

Praying mantises are not dangerous to humans; they do not sting and are not poisonous, and they'll only bite to defend themselves if you try to hold them in your hand (albeit without causing any serious injuries). You should consider yourself lucky if you see one, as they are rare in northern countries such as the UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. They are also usually very well camouflaged.

Praying mantises are very well camouflaged; when they are not moving, their body shape and color make them look like part of the plant (photo: Malcantone, Ticino, CH)

The mantis is an ambush predator that remains motionless until a potential victim comes within reach of its raptorial forelegs. Insects such as grasshoppers, crickets and other arthropods are their main prey, but mantises are opportunists that will eat almost any animal they can overwhelm, even small vertebrates such as young lizards.

When prey is close enough, it is seized in a lightning-fast movement and eaten alive. Cannibalism is not uncommon among this species; many males are eaten by females after or during mating (in field studies, this was the case in between 25% and 31% of the observed matings). It is thought that the main reason for this sexual cannibalism is for the female to gain vital nutrients which can increase successful egg production. These fascinating insects get their name from the position of their front legs, which resembles a praying posture.

It looks as if it is praying: European mantis on a hibiscus flower (photo: Malcantone, Ticino, CH)

Praying mantises can fly, but adult females are often too heavy to do so, while the smaller males are more inclined to cover distances in flight. Females grow up to 8 cm long, males up to 6 cm. The life expectancy of Mantis religiosa is approximately 7-12 months, with females living slightly longer than males.

Praying mantis on a piece of wood (photo: Malcantone, Ticino, CH)

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