Chinese Mantis vs Conehead Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chinese Mantis Conehead Mantis
Scientific Name Tenodera sinensis Empusa pennata
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Mantidae Empusidae
Size 80-110 mm 47-65 mm
Habitat Underground Heathland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Asia, North America (introduced) Europe, Africa
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.

💡

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.

Conehead Mantis

A distinctive European mantis with a tall conical head crest and feathery antennae in males. Nymphs resemble small aliens with their elongated heads and stick-like bodies.

💡

Did You Know?

Nymphs of the conehead mantis curl their abdomen upward over their body when walking, causing them to resemble tiny scorpions to deter predators.