Brown Locust vs New Zealand Praying Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brown Locust | New Zealand Praying Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Locustana pardalina | Orthodera novaezealandiae |
| Order | Orthoptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Acrididae | Mantidae |
| Size | 30-45 mm | 35-45 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | South Africa (Karoo region), Namibia | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Brown Locust
A medium-sized brown locust endemic to southern Africa that periodically swarms in the Karoo region. Nymphs are known as voetgangers (foot walkers).
Did You Know?
Swarms of brown locusts have plagued South African farmers since the 1700s and remain a major agricultural threat.
New Zealand Praying Mantis
New Zealand's only native praying mantis, a small bright green species found throughout the country. It is now threatened by competition from the larger introduced South African mantis. Females are larger than males and occasionally cannibalize them after mating.
Did You Know?
The native New Zealand mantis is being outcompeted by the introduced South African mantis, which arrived around 1978 and is now more common in many areas.