Golden-Ringed Dragonfly vs Springbok Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Golden-Ringed Dragonfly | Springbok Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cordulegaster boltonii | Miomantis caffra |
| Order | Odonata | Mantodea |
| Family | Cordulegastridae | Mantidae |
| Size | 76-84 mm wingspan | 30-50mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Africa, Oceania |
| 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.
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.
Springbok Mantis
A small bright green mantis native to southern Africa that has become invasive in New Zealand. Females are notorious for always cannibalizing males during mating. Males approach females with extreme caution.
Did You Know?
Female sexual cannibalism is nearly universal in this species, with males being eaten during mating over 60% of the time.