Purple-winged Mantis vs Summer Fishfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Purple-winged Mantis Summer Fishfly
Scientific Name Tenodera australasiae Chauliodes pectinicornis
Order Mantodea Megaloptera
Family Mantidae Corydalidae
Size 70-95 mm 25-40 mm
Habitat Underground Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Australia, Oceania North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Purple-winged Mantis

A large Australian mantis with distinctive purple-tinged wings that are displayed in flight. It is one of the more conspicuous mantis species found in tropical and subtropical Australia.

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Did You Know?

When it flies, the purple wings create a startling flash of colour that may confuse bird predators.

Summer Fishfly

A medium-sized fishfly emerging in summer with distinctive dark-veined wings and feathery antennae. Larvae develop in muddy stream bottoms.

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Did You Know?

Unlike dobsonfly larvae that prefer fast-flowing water, summer fishfly larvae thrive in slow muddy pools and swamps.