UPDATE:

To identify this species, experts at the Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly followed their usual verification procedures and also consulted a local entomologist, who agreed that the record appeared genuine. The sighting was considered plausible given recent developments in the species' distribution. Adult European praying mantises (Mantis religiosa) were photographed at four separate Cornish locations last year. The species has become established in the Channel Islands and on the Isle of Wight, and further sightings have been reported elsewhere in the UK this year.

Following media coverage of this story, we have received a number of questions and comments, and we are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to get in touch. We have since been contacted by specialists in this field who have advised that the available evidence is not sufficient to confirm the species.

We now understand that it is not possible to make a definitive species identification for this particular species at this stage. The photographs clearly show mantis nymphs (order Mantodea), but the insects are still at an early stage of development and have not yet developed the distinguishing features needed for reliable species identification.

We have asked the recorders at Truro School to continue monitoring the nymphs, as identification should become easier as they develop.

We will provide an update if further observations allow the species to be confirmed.

Previous press release: 

Ten European praying mantis nymphs were recently recorded at Truro School and have been submitted to Cornwall Wildlife Trust via the Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS).  

European praying mantis are about three inches in length and are native to southern Europe. They are most likely to be confused with stick-insects (which are well-established in Cornwall), but are easily identified by their front legs that are modified for grasping prey. 

Praying mantis are carnivorous and eat a variety of insects such as crickets and flies. They have breeding populations on the Isle of Wight and Channel Islands, but have not previously been recorded breeding on the UK mainland. They were first spotted in Cornwall in September last year, and are believed to be moving north due to rising temperatures.  

The tiny nymphs were discovered by Olly, son of David McKeown, Truro School's Head of Boarding, who spotted them near an open window in the family's accommodation on the school site. 

David said: 

"My son, Olly, deserves all the credit for this discovery. When he first told me he had seen baby praying mantises, I thought he must have been mistaken, as I had no idea they could be found in the UK. Once I looked more closely, I realised he might be right. 

"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." 

The record has generated excitement among wildlife recorders and further investigations are ongoing 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 continue to rise, we can expect more exotic species to arrive in the UK from southern Europe. If you’ve spotted something unusual, please do get in touch.” 

The sighting highlights the importance of reporting wildlife sightings, which are vital to build a better understanding of species distribution and environmental change.  

To report a wildlife sighting to the Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS), use their online recording system called ORKS (Online Recording Kernow and Scilly) via their website or the free mobile app available for iPhone and Android.