Backswimmer vs African Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Backswimmer | African Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Notonecta glauca | Sphodromantis viridis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Notonectidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 14-16 mm | 60-80 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Backswimmer
An aquatic bug that swims upside down just beneath the water surface, using its long hind legs as oars. Its back is keeled like a boat hull and pale-colored for camouflage when viewed from below.
Did You Know?
Backswimmers swim inverted with their pale backs facing downward, providing counter-shading camouflage against the bright sky when predators look up from below.
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.