Austrophasma caledonense vs Tyrannophasma gladiator

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Austrophasma caledonense Tyrannophasma gladiator
Scientific Name Austrophasma caledonense Tyrannophasma gladiator
Order Mantophasmatodea Mantophasmatodea
Family Austrophasmatidae Mantophasmatidae
Size 18-25 mm 20-25 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Africa Africa
Conservation Endangered Near Threatened

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.

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Did You Know?

The first living specimens were found after scientists matched an amber fossil to mysterious museum specimens from Namibia.

Tyrannophasma gladiator

A South African heelwalker named for its fierce predatory habits. Males drum their abdomens on plant stems to communicate with potential mates.

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Did You Know?

Males and females perform vibrational duets through the plant substrate before mating, a behavior detected only by sensitive instruments.