Blood Bee vs Springbok Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blood Bee | Springbok Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sphecodes monilicornis | Miomantis caffra |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Halictidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 7-9 mm | 30-50mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasites | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Africa, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Blood Bee
A cleptoparasitic bee with a bright red abdomen and black head that attacks the nests of furrow bees. Females enter host nests to lay eggs that hatch and consume the host provisions.
Did You Know?
Its blood-red abdomen is the source of its common name and makes it look more like a ruby-colored ant than a bee.
Springbok Mantis
A small bright green mantis native to southern Africa that has become invasive in New Zealand. Females are notorious for always cannibalizing males during mating. Males approach females with extreme caution.
Did You Know?
Female sexual cannibalism is nearly universal in this species, with males being eaten during mating over 60% of the time.