African Mantis vs Mediterranean Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Mantis | Mediterranean Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sphodromantis viridis | Iris oratoria |
| Order | Mantodea | Mantodea |
| Family | Mantidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 60-80 mm | 40-60 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Africa | Southern Europe, North Africa, Western United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Mantis
A large, powerful mantis that occurs in green or brown color forms. It is one of the most commonly kept pet mantis species due to its hardy nature.
Did You Know?
African mantises can rotate their heads 180 degrees, giving them a near-complete field of view without moving their bodies.
Mediterranean Mantis
A medium-sized mantis with striking eyespots on its hindwings used to startle predators. It is native to the Mediterranean but established in the western United States.
Did You Know?
When threatened, it flashes vivid purple and black eyespots on its hindwings to scare predators.