Mantidfly vs Iberian Spoonwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mantidfly | Iberian Spoonwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mantispa styriaca | Josandreva sazi |
| Order | Neuroptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Mantispidae | Nemopteridae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 25-32 mm wingspan (forewings) |
| Habitat | Heathland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Spain, Portugal |
| 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.
Iberian Spoonwing
A rare Iberian Peninsula nemopterid found in hot, dry calcareous grasslands. One of Europe's more localized spoonwing species.
Did You Know?
It is restricted to the Iberian Peninsula and is not found elsewhere in Europe.