Budwing Mantis vs Springbok Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Budwing Mantis Springbok Mantis
Scientific Name Parasphendale affinis Miomantis caffra
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Mantidae Mantidae
Size 40-60 mm 30-50mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Africa Africa, Oceania
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.

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.

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Did You Know?

Female sexual cannibalism is nearly universal in this species, with males being eaten during mating over 60% of the time.