Praying Mantis vs Hooded Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Praying Mantis | Hooded Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mantis religiosa | Choeradodis rhombicollis |
| Order | Mantodea | Mantodea |
| Family | Mantidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 60-75 mm | 60-80 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) | Central America, northern South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Hooded Mantis
A Central American mantis with an enormously expanded, leaf-shaped prothorax. Its green, shield-like hood provides excellent leaf mimicry.
Did You Know?
Its prothoracic shield is so wide and flat that it earned the nickname "hooded mantis" for its cloak-like appearance.