Budwing Mantis vs Neotropical Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Budwing Mantis Neotropical Robber Fly
Scientific Name Parasphendale affinis Ommatius orenoquensis
Order Mantodea Diptera
Family Mantidae Asilidae
Size 40-60 mm 10-15 mm
Habitat Heathland Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Africa South America
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.

Neotropical Robber Fly

A slender tropical robber fly found in South American lowland forests. It hunts from leaf tips in the forest understory.

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Did You Know?

The genus Ommatius is one of the most species-rich robber fly genera in the tropics.