Dot Moth vs Giant Rainforest Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dot Moth Giant Rainforest Mantis
Scientific Name Melanchra persicariae Hierodula majuscula
Order Lepidoptera Mantodea
Family Noctuidae Mantidae
Size 38-48 mm wingspan 65-80mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, Central Asia Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dot Moth

A dark bluish-black moth with a conspicuous white kidney-mark on each forewing. Its boldly marked appearance makes it easy to identify at light traps.

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Did You Know?

The white dot on its dark wings is so prominent it can be identified from several feet away.

Giant Rainforest Mantis

One of Australia's largest mantises with a green body and reddish inner forelegs. It has distinctive blue-purple patches on the inside of its forelegs used in threat displays. It is a powerful ambush predator.

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Did You Know?

It has been filmed catching and eating small tree frogs, demonstrating its power as a predator.