Giant African Mantis vs Alpine Cave Springtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant African Mantis | Alpine Cave Springtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sphodromantis gastrica | Onychiuroides alpinus |
| Order | Mantodea | Collembola |
| Family | Mantidae | Onychiuridae |
| Size | 70-100 mm | 0.8-1.2 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Caves |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southern Africa | Italy |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Giant African Mantis
One of Africa's largest mantis species with a robust green or brown body. It can catch prey as large as small lizards and frogs.
Did You Know?
They have been observed catching and eating hummingbird-sized sunbirds at garden feeders in South Africa.
Alpine Cave Springtail
A recently described blind springtail from caves in the Italian Alps. It lacks eyes, pigment, and a jumping furca.
Did You Know?
It survives in caves where temperatures remain just a few degrees above freezing.