Spotted Grass Moth vs Purple-winged Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spotted Grass Moth Purple-winged Mantis
Scientific Name Rivula propinqualis Tenodera australasiae
Order Lepidoptera Mantodea
Family Crambidae Mantidae
Size 15-20 mm wingspan 70-95 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Underground
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spotted Grass Moth

A tiny yellowish moth with a distinctive dark spot on each forewing. It is extremely common in damp grassy habitats across eastern North America.

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Did You Know?

Despite being one of the most abundant moths in its range, it is so small that most people never notice it.

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.