Praying Mantis vs Bearded Stick Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Praying Mantis | Bearded Stick Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mantis religiosa | Toxodera beieri |
| Order | Mantodea | Mantodea |
| Family | Mantidae | Toxoderidae |
| Size | 60-75 mm | 70-100 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) | Borneo, Malaysia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Praying Mantis
The original praying mantis, named for the prayer-like position of its folded forelegs. A formidable predator with stereoscopic vision and lightning-fast strikes taking just 50-70 milliseconds.
Did You Know?
A praying mantis strike takes just 50-70 milliseconds — faster than the blink of a human eye. They are the only insects that can see in 3D, using a unique form of stereo vision.
Bearded Stick Mantis
A rare stick mantis from Borneo with small lobes along its body resembling bark fragments. It was named after the famous mantis taxonomist Max Beier.
Did You Know?
Max Beier, whom it was named after, described more mantis species than any other 20th-century entomologist.