New Zealand Praying Mantis vs Cat-Eye Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Praying Mantis | Cat-Eye Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthodera novaezealandiae | Pseudempusa pinnapavonis |
| Order | Mantodea | Mantodea |
| Family | Mantidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm | 40-60 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
New Zealand Praying Mantis
New Zealand's only native praying mantis, a small bright green species found throughout the country. It is now threatened by competition from the larger introduced South African mantis. Females are larger than males and occasionally cannibalize them after mating.
Did You Know?
The native New Zealand mantis is being outcompeted by the introduced South African mantis, which arrived around 1978 and is now more common in many areas.
Cat-Eye Mantis
A rare Southeast Asian mantis with striking peacock-like eyespots on its inner forearms. It uses these markings in dramatic threat displays.
Did You Know?
Its inner forearm eyespots flash open during threat displays and closely resemble the eyes of a cat.