Pied Hoverfly vs Chinese Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pied Hoverfly | Chinese Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scaeva pyrastri | Tenodera sinensis |
| Order | Diptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Syrphidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 80-110 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Asia, North America (introduced) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pied Hoverfly
A large, elegant hoverfly with white crescent-shaped markings on a dark abdomen. It is a strong migrant and beneficial aphid predator.
Did You Know?
Its white crescent markings distinguish it from nearly all other European hoverflies at a glance.
Chinese Mantis
One of the largest mantis species in North America (introduced). An ambush predator with remarkable binocular vision. Females sometimes cannibalize males after or during mating.
Did You Know?
Praying mantises are the only insects that can turn their heads 180 degrees to look over their shoulders — giving them a nearly full field of vision for hunting.