Austrophasma caledonense vs Praying Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Austrophasma caledonense | Praying Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Austrophasma caledonense | Mantis religiosa |
| Order | Mantophasmatodea | Mantodea |
| Family | Austrophasmatidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 60-75 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Africa | Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Austrophasma caledonense
A heelwalker from the Caledon district of South Africa. Females are larger than males and deposit eggs in sandy soil where they overwinter.
Did You Know?
The first living specimens were found after scientists matched an amber fossil to mysterious museum specimens from Namibia.
Praying Mantis
The original praying mantis, named for the prayer-like position of its folded forelegs. A formidable predator with stereoscopic vision and lightning-fast strikes taking just 50-70 milliseconds.
Did You Know?
A praying mantis strike takes just 50-70 milliseconds — faster than the blink of a human eye. They are the only insects that can see in 3D, using a unique form of stereo vision.