Common Groundhopper vs Praying Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Groundhopper | Praying Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tetrix undulata | Mantis religiosa |
| Order | Orthoptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Tetrigidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 60-75 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Detritivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Groundhopper
A tiny, dark pygmy grasshopper whose pronotum extends backward over the entire abdomen like a shield. It is active year-round and can even be found basking on bare ground in midwinter.
Did You Know?
It overwinters as an adult and can be found active on warm days in every month of the year, even January.
Praying Mantis
The original praying mantis, named for the prayer-like position of its folded forelegs. A formidable predator with stereoscopic vision and lightning-fast strikes taking just 50-70 milliseconds.
Did You Know?
A praying mantis strike takes just 50-70 milliseconds — faster than the blink of a human eye. They are the only insects that can see in 3D, using a unique form of stereo vision.