Karoophasma biedouwense vs Gladiator Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Karoophasma biedouwense | Gladiator Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Karoophasma biedouwense | Mantophasma zephyra |
| Order | Mantophasmatodea | Mantophasmatodea |
| Family | Austrophasmatidae | Mantophasmatidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Africa | Africa |
| Conservation | Endangered | Data Deficient |
Karoophasma biedouwense
A gladiator insect endemic to the Biedouw Valley in South Africa. It is nocturnal and hunts among low shrubs in semi-arid fynbos.
Did You Know?
Each heelwalker species tends to occupy a tiny geographic range, making them extremely vulnerable to habitat loss.
Gladiator Bug
One of the first species described in the newest insect order Mantophasmatodea, erected in 2002. A small wingless predator also called a heelwalker for its distinctive gait.
Did You Know?
This species belongs to the insect order Mantophasmatodea, described in 2002 — the first new insect order to be discovered in nearly 90 years.