Pond Olive Mayfly vs Giant Devil's Flower Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pond Olive Mayfly Giant Devil's Flower Mantis
Scientific Name Cloeon dipterum Idolomantis serrula
Order Ephemeroptera Mantodea
Family Baetidae Empusidae
Size 6-9 mm 80-110 mm
Habitat Gardens Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia Tanzania, Kenya
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Pond Olive Mayfly

One of the few mayflies that breeds in still water including garden ponds and rain barrels. Unusually for a mayfly, females are ovoviviparous.

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Did You Know?

This is one of the only mayflies that gives birth to live nymphs rather than laying eggs, a unique trait in the order.

Giant Devil's Flower Mantis

A close relative of the devil's flower mantis found in the dry forests of East Africa. It has serrated leg lobes that enhance its leaf-like disguise.

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Did You Know?

Its serrated leg lobes are unique in the genus and give it a more ragged, leaf-like appearance.