Budwing Mantis vs Migrant Hawker

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Budwing Mantis Migrant Hawker
Scientific Name Parasphendale affinis Aeshna mixta
Order Mantodea Odonata
Family Mantidae Aeshnidae
Size 40-60 mm 56-64 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Africa Europe, Asia, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Budwing Mantis

A sturdy, aggressive mantis from East Africa named for the bud-like wing stubs of the females, who are mostly flightless. Males are slender with full wings.

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Did You Know?

Budwing mantises are among the most aggressive mantis species and have been observed attacking prey larger than themselves, including small lizards.

Migrant Hawker

A medium-sized hawker dragonfly that has significantly expanded its range northward in Europe. It flies late into autumn, often the last dragonfly seen each year.

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Did You Know?

This species often forms large feeding swarms in the autumn, with dozens of individuals hunting together over fields and along hedgerows.