Golden-Ringed Dragonfly vs Ant Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden-Ringed Dragonfly Ant Mantis
Scientific Name Cordulegaster boltonii Odontomantis planiceps
Order Odonata Mantodea
Family Cordulegastridae Hymenopodidae
Size 76-84 mm wingspan 15-25 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Grasslands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Golden-Ringed Dragonfly

The longest dragonfly in Britain, adorned with bold black and yellow rings along its body. Females have a conspicuous ovipositor used to inject eggs into stream beds.

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Did You Know?

The larvae of golden-ringed dragonflies live buried in stream sediment for up to five years before emerging as adults, ambushing prey from their sandy hideouts.

Ant Mantis

A tiny mantis whose nymphs mimic ants to avoid predation.

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Did You Know?

First-instar nymphs run erratically with raised abdomens like weaver ants.