Cat-Eyed Mantis vs Purple-winged Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cat-Eyed Mantis Purple-winged Mantis
Scientific Name Heterochaeta strachani Tenodera australasiae
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Mantidae Mantidae
Size 80-100 mm 70-95 mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Africa Australia, Oceania
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Cat-Eyed Mantis

A spectacular West African mantis with enormously enlarged compound eyes that give it a cat-like appearance and exceptional depth perception for precision strikes.

💡

Did You Know?

The oversized eyes of this mantis give it stereoscopic vision superior to most other insects, allowing it to judge distances with remarkable accuracy before striking.

Purple-winged Mantis

A large Australian mantis with distinctive purple-tinged wings that are displayed in flight. It is one of the more conspicuous mantis species found in tropical and subtropical Australia.

💡

Did You Know?

When it flies, the purple wings create a startling flash of colour that may confuse bird predators.