Chinese Mantis vs Black Slip Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chinese Mantis Black Slip Wasp
Scientific Name Tenodera sinensis Pimpla instigator
Order Mantodea Hymenoptera
Family Mantidae Ichneumonidae
Size 80-110 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Predators Parasitoids
Regions Asia, North America (introduced) Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Chinese Mantis

One of the largest mantis species in North America (introduced). An ambush predator with remarkable binocular vision. Females sometimes cannibalize males after or during mating.

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Did You Know?

Praying mantises are the only insects that can turn their heads 180 degrees to look over their shoulders — giving them a nearly full field of vision for hunting.

Black Slip Wasp

A medium-sized black ichneumon wasp that parasitizes butterfly and moth pupae. Uses its ovipositor to penetrate through cocoons. A common and widespread species.

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Did You Know?

Can drill its ovipositor through tough pupal cases and silk cocoons to reach the developing insect inside.