Caribou Bot Fly vs Garden Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Caribou Bot Fly | Garden Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cephenemyia jellisoni | Orthodera ministralis |
| Order | Diptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Oestridae | Mantidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 35-50 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Alaska, northern Canada, Yukon, Northwest Territories | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Caribou Bot Fly
A robust, furry fly that parasitizes caribou and deer in North America. Like its Eurasian relative, it deposits larvae near the nostrils of its host. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and survive entirely on stored energy.
Did You Know?
Infected caribou may sneeze violently to expel mature bot fly larvae from their nasal passages before the larvae pupate in the soil.
Garden Mantis
A small to medium-sized bright green praying mantis commonly found in Australian gardens. It has distinctive blue-purple spots on the inner surfaces of its forelegs, displayed when threatened.
Did You Know?
The blue spots on its forearms are thought to startle predators and are unique among Australian mantis species.