Praying mantis breeds for first time on UK mainland at Cornwall school
Discovery of nymphs sparks interest in environmental change
A wildlife discovery at Truro School in Cornwall may represent the first recorded instance of European praying mantises breeding on the UK mainland.
Ten praying mantis nymphs were spotted by Olly McKeown, the son of Truro School's Head of Boarding, David McKeown. The insects were found near an open window at the family's accommodation at the school and have been reported to Cornwall Wildlife Trust via ERCCIS.
European praying mantises are typically found in southern Europe and are characterised by their distinctive front limbs adapted for capturing prey.
Although breeding populations exist on the Isle of Wight and Channel Islands, this marks the first documentation of their breeding on the UK mainland.
First seen in Cornwall in September 2022, it is believed that they are migrating north due to rising global temperatures.
David McKeown credited his son Olly with the discovery, saying, “It was a remarkable and very surprising find. I know that our biology department and boarding students will be excited by the discovery, and it feels very special that the Truro School grounds could provide the first evidence of praying mantises breeding in Cornwall.”
This discovery has generated significant interest among wildlife recorders, who are conducting further investigations to locate the egg case, known as an ootheca, from which the nymphs emerged.
Laura Fox, Data and Evidence Officer at ERCCIS, said, “It’s always exciting to discover a new species for Cornwall, but this is particularly interesting as it is the first of its order – no other species of mantis has ever become established in Cornwall, or indeed the rest of the UK.”
As global temperatures rise, Cornwall may expect more exotic species from southern Europe. Residents are encouraged to report unusual wildlife sightings to help track distribution and environmental changes.
To report a wildlife sighting, contact ERCCIS through their online recording system, ORKS, available on their website or as a mobile app for iPhone and Android.