Cederberg Heelwalker vs Gladiator Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cederberg Heelwalker | Gladiator Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Austrophasma cederbergense | Mantophasma zephyra |
| Order | Mantophasmatodea | Mantophasmatodea |
| Family | Austrophasmatidae | Mantophasmatidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Southern Africa, South Africa | Africa |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Data Deficient |
Cederberg Heelwalker
A predatory heelwalker found in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa. It is greenish-brown and well-camouflaged among fynbos shrubs.
Did You Know?
Females eat the male after mating, similar to praying mantises, despite being in an entirely different order.
Gladiator Bug
One of the first species described in the newest insect order Mantophasmatodea, erected in 2002. A small wingless predator also called a heelwalker for its distinctive gait.
Did You Know?
This species belongs to the insect order Mantophasmatodea, described in 2002 — the first new insect order to be discovered in nearly 90 years.