Lucasian Green Lacewing vs Giant African Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lucasian Green Lacewing Giant African Mantis
Scientific Name Chrysopa lucasina Sphodromantis gastrica
Order Neuroptera Mantodea
Family Chrysopidae Mantidae
Size 14-20 mm wingspan 70-100 mm
Habitat Heathland Beaches & Coastal
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southern Europe, North Africa Southern Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lucasian Green Lacewing

A European green lacewing common in Mediterranean olive groves. Important natural enemy of the olive moth and olive psyllid.

💡

Did You Know?

It is considered one of the most valuable natural enemies in Mediterranean olive cultivation.

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.