Contributions of citizen scientists to monitoring alien species: the case study on Giant Asian Mantes, <i>Hierodula tenuidentata</i> and <i>H. patellifera</i> (Mantodea: Mantidae)

Many alien species directly affect humans by damaging agricultural crops and threatening the health of domestic animals. Today, with widespread use social media, posts made citizen scientists provide valuable data about very quickly. This study reveals importance online databases for our knowledge on spread Giant Asian Mantes Hierodula tenuidentata H. patellifera. The provided through media such as iNaturalist, Observation.org, Alciphron (the latter only Serbia) comprehensive baseline monitoring distribution these species. While 16% records were obtained from literature, 84% consisted personal observations. Our supports findings previous studies stating that make important contributions in providing early prevention.