Giant Rainforest Mantis vs Australian Emperor Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Rainforest Mantis | Australian Emperor Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hierodula majuscula | Anax papuensis |
| Order | Mantodea | Odonata |
| Family | Mantidae | Aeshnidae |
| Size | 65-80mm | Body 7-8 cm; wingspan 10-11 cm |
| Habitat | Underground | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Oceania | Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
It has been filmed catching and eating small tree frogs, demonstrating its power as a predator.
Australian Emperor Dragonfly
A large, powerful dragonfly with a green thorax and blue-spotted abdomen. It is a strong flier commonly seen patrolling ponds and lakes across Australia.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few dragonfly species to have naturally colonized New Zealand by flying across the Tasman Sea.