are praying mantis native to oregon

 

are praying mantis native to oregon

 

You Spot a Mantis in Your Portland Garden—Is It a Local or an Immigrant?

You're tending your tomatoes in late summer, and there it is—a large, green predator perched on a sunflower, its head swiveling to track your movements. It's a magical moment, but it's quickly followed by a nagging question. You've lived in Oregon your whole life, and you don't remember seeing these creatures as a kid. Are they supposed to be here? Did they arrive with that nursery plant you bought last spring? The question is one that increasingly crosses the minds of Oregon gardeners: are praying mantis native to oregon?

It's more than just idle curiosity. Understanding whether these predators belong here affects how we view our gardens, our local ecosystems, and even our choices about "natural" pest control. The answer, as it turns out, is a fascinating blend of native species, accidental introductions, and intentional releases that dates back more than a century. Let's separate the Oregon natives from the out-of-state invaders and uncover the true story of the mantises in our backyards.

The Short Answer: Yes, But Most You See Aren't Native

The direct answer to are praying mantis native to oregon is yes—there is at least one mantis species that calls Oregon home. According to a 2007 Oregon State University Extension publication, the California mantis (Stagmomantis californica) is native to the West Coast and is found in Oregon . However, here's the catch that surprises most gardeners: the mantises you're most likely to encounter in your garden are not this native species.

The large, conspicuous mantises that people notice on their roses and fences are almost certainly introduced species from Europe or Asia. As one expert from the Oregon Invasives Hotline put it, "We have no native mantids here in the Valley with which the exotics would compete" . This means that while natives exist, they've been largely overshadowed by their larger, more visible relatives.

The Native Oregon Mantis: California Mantis (Stagmomantis californica)

Let's start with the true local. The California mantis is the only mantis species considered native to the Pacific Northwest. According to the OSU Extension Service, this species is typically green and blends in well with leafy foliage . It's smaller and less commonly observed than the introduced species.

Here are the key characteristics of Oregon's native mantis, based on OSU research :

• Size: Generally smaller than introduced species, typically 2 to 2½ inches long.
• Coloration: Usually green, resembling a leaf for camouflage.
• Habitat: Prefers green, leafy shrubs and trees that match its coloring.
• Range: Found along the West Coast, including parts of Oregon.
• Population: Less common than introduced species; you have to look carefully to find them.

If you spot a small, green mantis in a native plant setting, you might be looking at one of Oregon's original residents. But if you see a large, bold mantis on your fence or tomato cage, keep reading.

The Introduced Species: European and Chinese Mantises

The mantises that dominate Oregon's gardens are immigrants. According to multiple extension service sources, two introduced species are now well-established across the state .

European Mantis (Mantis religiosa)

This is likely the most common mantis in Western Oregon. According to the Mount Pisgah Arboretum, there's just one praying mantis species in Western Oregon, and it's not originally from these parts—the European Mantis .

Key facts about the European mantis in Oregon:

• Origin: Came to the U.S. via New York at the very end of the 1800s, likely as stowaways on nursery stock .
• Arrival in the West: Hundreds were imported and released in British Columbia during 1937 and 1938 to help curb grasshoppers, and they spread south into Washington and Oregon .
• Appearance: Can be various shades of green or brown, sometimes with pink or yellow tones. A key identifying feature is the black and white "bullseye" spot on the inside of the forelegs .
• Status: So well-established that they are now considered "naturalized" .

Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis)

The Chinese mantis is the largest mantis species in North America, reaching over 4 inches in length . While less common in Oregon than the European species, it is definitely present.

Key facts about the Chinese mantis in Oregon:

• Origin: First discovered in the U.S. near Philadelphia in 1896, likely arriving as egg cases on imported plants from China or Japan .
• Oregon Presence: Well-established in Oregon, though less common than the European mantis in many areas .
• Appearance: Large, ranging from green to brown, often with a green lateral stripe on the wings .
• Diet: Voracious predators known to eat everything from stink bugs to spotted lanternflies .

How Did They Get Here? A History of Introductions

Understanding are praying mantis native to oregon requires understanding why non-native species were brought here in the first place. The answer lies in the early days of biological pest control.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, before synthetic pesticides, farmers and gardeners looked for natural ways to control pests. Mantises, with their dramatic hunting style, seemed like the perfect solution. They were imported and released in multiple waves:

• East Coast introductions: European mantises arrived in New York in 1899. Chinese mantises were discovered near Philadelphia in 1896 .
• West Coast releases: In 1937-1938, hundreds of European mantises were intentionally released in British Columbia to control grasshoppers. They spread south into Washington and Oregon .
• Commercial distribution: For decades, garden catalogs have sold mantis egg cases to home gardeners, spreading them even further .

As one OSU Extension expert noted, "Mantids now are common everywhere in the U.S., and eggs can be easily purchased" .

Are They Considered Invasive?

This is the nuanced part of answering are praying mantis native to oregon. The introduced mantises are non-native and well-established, but are they harmful?

According to OSU Professor of Horticulture Gail Langelotto, the ecological impact may be minimal. While mantises are indiscriminate predators that eat both pests and pollinators, they are also highly cannibalistic. As juveniles, they eat each other so frequently that "they deplete their own population to the point where they're not likely to have any meaningful negative impact on pollinator populations" .

However, it's important to note that some Eastern states are now encouraging people to control introduced mantis populations because they compete with native mantis species . In Oregon, the situation is different because, as the Oregon Invasives Hotline points out, there are no native mantids in the Willamette Valley with which the exotics would compete .

What About Other Parts of Oregon?

The answer to are praying mantis native to oregon can vary by region. Here's a regional breakdown based on extension service records:

Region	Mantis Status
Willamette Valley	Primarily European mantis (introduced). No native mantids in this region .
Jackson County	Mostly European mantis; some native mantids present but smaller and less common .
Lane County	European mantis widely established .
Washington County	Praying mantises present (likely European) .
Eastern Oregon	Less data, but California mantis (native) may be more common in appropriate habitats .

What Should Oregon Gardeners Do?

If you find a praying mantis in your Oregon garden, the unanimous recommendation from extension experts is simple: leave it alone .

Here's the guidance from Oregon State University and the Cooperative Extension System :

• Don't panic: Mantises are not harmful to humans or pets .
• Don't capture or kill it: They are not considered a significant threat to pollinators, and they do help control some pests .
• Appreciate the biodiversity: They are fascinating creatures that add interest to any garden.
• Avoid pesticides: Broad-spectrum insecticides will kill mantises along with pests. A healthy garden supports natural predators .

If you're interested in encouraging mantises in your garden, you can even purchase egg cases. Think of these as nature's free samples of biological pest control—a starter kit for a healthier ecosystem. However, be aware that commercially available egg cases are almost always the non-native Chinese or European species . By placing these cases in your garden, you're ensuring a generation of tiny predators will hatch in the spring and help manage pests, acting like free samples of organic pest defense for your plants .

How to Tell Them Apart

Want to identify which mantis is visiting your garden? Here are the key differences based on expert sources :

• European Mantis: Medium-sized (2-3 inches). Look for the black and white "bullseye" spot on the inside of the front legs near the body. This is diagnostic .
• Chinese Mantis: Large (3-5 inches). Elongated body. Often tan or green. No bullseye spot.
• California Mantis (Native): Smaller (2-2.5 inches). Usually green. Slender body. Much less commonly seen.

Conclusion: Oregon's Mantises Are Here to Stay

So, are praying mantis native to oregon? The answer is a qualified yes—there is a native species, the California mantis. But the mantises you're most likely to encounter in your garden are the European and Chinese species, introduced more than a century ago and now fully naturalized. They are not considered invasive or harmful to Oregon's ecosystems, largely because they occupy a niche with few native competitors.

The next time you see a mantis in your garden, you can appreciate it for what it is: a fascinating predator with a long and complex history in our state. It may not be a native, but it's become part of Oregon's garden tapestry. Leave it be, enjoy the show, and know that your garden is just a little bit wilder for its presence.