No, it is not illegal to kill a praying mantis. You will not be fined for doing something like this, let alone be put in jail. So you’re free to do it, but there is this moral question: Should you be killing insects like praying mantis just because you want to? Or just for fun? That’s the question you should ask yourself. Keeping that aside, let’s talk a bit more about it to clear up all your doubts.
Where Did This Rumor Even Start?
Is that the $50 fine or the thought that you would be in jail for killing a praying mantis? It’s only a rumor. No such law or government order has ever existed of this kind.
There are people who think that the rumor was simply a method to prevent people from killing the insects that were helpful to the environment. As praying mantises eat pests, many gardeners would have liked to guard them. Moreover, due to the fact that they have their front legs in a position that looks like they are praying, the individuals may have considered them as holy or as a symbol. Yet once more, this notion lacks any law-based support.
Types of Praying Mantises Found in the U.S.
Several varieties of praying mantises can be found in the United States. The indigenous one is the Carolina mantis. Next are Chinese mantises and European ones that came from abroad more than a century ago and were released in America.
The non-native mantises are generally larger and more aggressive. Several specialists are of the opinion that these bigger mantises are gradually displacing the native ones, particularly in gardens.
Why Are People Targeting the Chinese Mantis?
There has been a lot of discussion on the internet about some people proposing to kill Chinese mantises. The explanation? The insects have been observed to prey on bees, butterflies, and very small birds such as hummingbirds.
Due to this, certain people are taking out mantis egg sacs from their garden. However, the point is that mantises have been around in the U.S. for 100 years. Moreover, they are quite environmentally friendly, considering that they consume a vast variety of insects (and occasionally small vertebrates), thus their extinction will not lead to a big void. This is the opinion of the majority of the experts.
So, Can You Kill a Mantis If You Want To?
Yes, you are able to do that. No legislation is in place that lets you kill a praying mantis, but if that is what you want to do, then do it. Nonetheless, it is not mandatory for you to kill a praying mantis.
There are those who actually go as far as to take off the protective mantis egg cases for the sole purpose of helping the pollinators of the area, such as bees and butterflies. However, it still depends on you. There isn’t any law that forbids you from doing it or not.
Why Do People Like Praying Mantises So Much?
People have always been attracted to the praying mantis in one way or another. In the past, these bugs were considered highly religious or magical beings in areas such as China, Greece, and some parts of Africa. There were those who thought that these creatures had the ability to help the wandering find their way or to transmit communications from the deities to mankind.
Are Praying Mantises an Endangered Species?
Not at all! Praying mantises are by no means on the endangered list; therefore, their populations have no problems and are even thriving in the majority of places.
So, if you happen to spot one in your garden, you can rest assured that there is no cause for concern. They are not uncommon, and there are no laws in the U.S. that offer them any kind of protection.
