Green Shield Mantis vs Mahoenui Giant Weta
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Green Shield Mantis | Mahoenui Giant Weta |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chlidonoptera lestoni | Deinacrida mahoenui |
| Order | Mantodea | Orthoptera |
| Family | Mantidae | Anostostomatidae |
| Size | 30-45 mm | Body 50-70 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon | New Zealand |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Green Shield Mantis
A flat-bodied mantis from West Africa with a wide, shield-shaped pronotum. Its flattened body helps it press tightly against tree bark for camouflage.
Did You Know?
Its shield-like pronotum is proportionally one of the widest of any mantis species.
Mahoenui Giant Weta
A critically threatened giant weta originally surviving in a single patch of introduced gorse scrub. It is brown with lighter banding and is largely arboreal.
Did You Know?
Ironically, the invasive gorse bush has protected this weta from predators by providing spiny refuge.