Japanese Giant Water Bug vs Egyptian Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Giant Water Bug | Egyptian Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lethocerus deyrolli | Miomantis paykullii |
| Order | Hemiptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Belostomatidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 48-65 mm | 40-55 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | East Asia, Japan | Africa, North America |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Japanese Giant Water Bug
Known as 'ta-garame' in Japanese, this is one of Japan's largest aquatic insects. A fearsome ambush predator that can catch small fish and frogs. Has declined dramatically due to habitat loss.
Did You Know?
Males of this species guard the eggs, which the female glues to emergent vegetation above water, by periodically climbing up to moisten them.
Egyptian Mantis
A small to medium green mantis native to Africa that has become established in parts of the southern United States. Females are notorious for always cannibalizing males during mating.
Did You Know?
Female Egyptian mantises cannibalize the male in nearly 100% of mating attempts, making them one of the most sexually cannibalistic animals known to science.