New Zealand Praying Mantis vs Tessellated Bark Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Praying Mantis | Tessellated Bark Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthodera novaezealandiae | Liturgusa tessellata |
| Order | Mantodea | Mantodea |
| Family | Mantidae | Liturgusidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm | 20-30 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Brazil, Bolivia |
| 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.
Tessellated Bark Mantis
A bark mantis with a tessellated mosaic-like pattern on its wings from the Amazon basin. The intricate pattern provides superb camouflage on textured bark.
Did You Know?
Its tessellated wing pattern is one of the most complex of any bark mantis species.