New Zealand Praying Mantis vs Giant Water Strider
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Praying Mantis | Giant Water Strider |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthodera novaezealandiae | Gigantometra gigas |
| Order | Mantodea | Hemiptera |
| Family | Mantidae | Gerridae |
| Size | 35-45 mm | 18-24 mm body, 250 mm leg span |
| Habitat | Underground | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Vietnam, Southern China, Southeast Asia |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Data Deficient |
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.
Giant Water Strider
The largest water strider in the world, found in Southeast Asian streams. Its leg span can reach over 25 cm across the water surface.
Did You Know?
With a leg span exceeding 25 centimeters, it is the undisputed giant of the water strider world.