Mantidfly vs Feather-Legged Assassin Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mantidfly | Feather-Legged Assassin Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mantispa styriaca | Ptilocnemus lemur |
| Order | Neuroptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Mantispidae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mantidfly
A remarkable insect with raptorial forelegs strikingly similar to a praying mantis, a textbook example of convergent evolution. Adults ambush small insects from vegetation.
Did You Know?
Mantidfly larvae are parasitoids that enter spider egg sacs and feed on the eggs before pupating inside.
Feather-Legged Assassin Bug
An Australian assassin bug with bizarre feathery hind legs used to lure ant prey. It waves its feathered legs near ant trails to attract victims.
Did You Know?
It dangles its feathery hind legs like fishing lures to attract ants, which it then seizes and devours.