Large Brown Lacewing vs Giant African Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large Brown Lacewing | Giant African Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Drepanepteryx phalaenoides | Sphodromantis gastrica |
| Order | Neuroptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Hemerobiidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 18-28 mm wingspan | 70-100 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Southern Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Large Brown Lacewing
The largest European brown lacewing with distinctively hooked wing tips. Resembles a dead leaf when at rest on branches.
Did You Know?
Its hooked wing tips and brown mottling make it one of the best leaf mimics among lacewings.
Giant African Mantis
One of Africa's largest mantis species with a robust green or brown body. It can catch prey as large as small lizards and frogs.
Did You Know?
They have been observed catching and eating hummingbird-sized sunbirds at garden feeders in South Africa.