New Zealand Praying Mantis vs Saharan Desert Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Praying Mantis | Saharan Desert Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthodera novaezealandiae | Eremiaphila braueri |
| Order | Mantodea | Mantodea |
| Family | Mantidae | Eremiaphilidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm | 20-30 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Indoors |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia |
| 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.
Saharan Desert Mantis
A ground-dwelling mantis adapted to the harsh Saharan environment. It is nearly wingless and relies on speed rather than flight to escape threats.
Did You Know?
It can tolerate surface temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius on desert sand.