Can a praying mantis really catch a hummingbird?

Yes. It has been photographed and documented many times. Large mantis species, particularly the Chinese Mantis, are capable of gripping and killing hummingbirds at feeders. The strike is nearly instantaneous and the bird has little time to react.

What should I do if a mantis catches a hummingbird?

If the bird is still alive, the mantis must be removed immediately and the bird placed in a small, dark, ventilated box. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator right away — injuries from mantis strikes can be severe. Find a rehabber at [[ahnow.org]{.underline}](http://ahnow.org).

Should I kill the mantis?

No. Praying mantises are beneficial predators that eat large numbers of garden pests. Relocate it well away from your feeders, ideally into a vegetable garden or pest-heavy shrub area.

When is the risk from praying mantises highest?

Late summer through early fall — August through October in most of North America. This is when mantises have reached their maximum size and are hunting most aggressively before the season ends.

Will my hummingbirds come back after they see a mantis at the feeder?

Yes, almost always. Hummingbirds will avoid the feeder temporarily if they sense danger, but they have strong memory for reliable food sources. Once the threat is gone, they typically return within hours or days. **Keep Your Feeder Safe** A morning check takes 30 seconds. That 30 seconds can save a bird's life. While you're checking, make sure the nectar is fresh. NectarBloom's pure cane sugar formula — no dyes, no additives — is the safest nectar you can offer. Give your hummingbirds a feeder they can trust. **Protect the birds you love. Check your feeder daily, relocate any mantises you find, and fill it with NectarBloom pure cane sugar nectar.**

Praying Mantis on Your Hummingbird Feeder? Remove It | NectarBloom™