Dun-bar vs Spiny Flower Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Dun-bar	Spiny Flower Mantis
Scientific Name	Cosmia trapezina	Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii
Order	Lepidoptera	Mantodea
Family	Noctuidae	Hymenopodidae
Size	28-34 mm wingspan	30-50 mm
Habitat	Underground	Underground
Diet	Predators	Omnivores
Regions	Europe, Asia	Africa
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

Dun-bar

A late summer noctuid moth whose caterpillars are partly predatory, eating other moth larvae sharing their tree. Variable brown coloration with a distinctive pale bar.

💡

Did You Know?

Caterpillars are cannibalistic and predatory, readily consuming other moth larvae they encounter on leaves.

Spiny Flower Mantis

Small, colorful mantis with spectacular eye-like patterns on its wings displayed in a threat pose. White and green body with pink and yellow highlights. Native to southern Africa.

💡

Did You Know?

The spiny flower mantis has eye-like spiral patterns on its wings — when threatened, it raises them in a dramatic display that makes it look much larger and more intimidating.