Garden Mantis vs Peruvian Leaf Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Garden Mantis Peruvian Leaf Mantis
Scientific Name Orthodera ministralis Pseudacanthops lobipes
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Mantidae Acanthopidae
Size 35-50 mm 40-55mm
Habitat Gardens Forests
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Australia, Oceania South America
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Garden Mantis

A small to medium-sized bright green praying mantis commonly found in Australian gardens. It has distinctive blue-purple spots on the inner surfaces of its forelegs, displayed when threatened.

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Did You Know?

The blue spots on its forearms are thought to startle predators and are unique among Australian mantis species.

Peruvian Leaf Mantis

A mantis that perfectly mimics a green leaf complete with a leaf-shaped abdomen and wing covers with vein patterns. Its legs have leaf-like lobes. Even close inspection can fail to distinguish it from foliage.

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Did You Know?

Its abdomen is flattened and shaped exactly like a green leaf, complete with a convincing midrib and veins.