Mediterranean Mantis vs Ocellated Flower Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mediterranean Mantis Ocellated Flower Mantis
Scientific Name Iris oratoria Pseudocreobotra ocellata
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Mantidae Hymenopodidae
Size 40-60 mm 25-40 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Southern Europe, North Africa, Western United States West Africa, Central Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mediterranean Mantis

A medium-sized mantis with striking eyespots on its hindwings used to startle predators. It is native to the Mediterranean but established in the western United States.

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Did You Know?

When threatened, it flashes vivid purple and black eyespots on its hindwings to scare predators.

Ocellated Flower Mantis

A small African flower mantis closely related to the spiny flower mantis. It has a prominent spiral marking on its wings that resembles the number nine.

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Did You Know?

It is named 'ocellata' for the eye-like spots on its wings used in defensive displays.