Eastern Toe-biter vs Purple-winged Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eastern Toe-biter | Purple-winged Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Benacus griseus | Tenodera australasiae |
| Order | Hemiptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Belostomatidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 25-35 mm | 70-95 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Eastern Toe-biter
A very large, flattened brown water bug found in eastern North America. Males carry eggs on their backs until they hatch, providing protection and aeration. It can deliver an extremely painful bite if handled.
Did You Know?
Males are dedicated fathers, carrying up to 100 eggs cemented to their backs for several weeks, regularly doing 'push-ups' at the water surface to aerate the developing embryos.
Purple-winged Mantis
A large Australian mantis with distinctive purple-tinged wings that are displayed in flight. It is one of the more conspicuous mantis species found in tropical and subtropical Australia.
Did You Know?
When it flies, the purple wings create a startling flash of colour that may confuse bird predators.