Springbok Mantis vs African Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Springbok Mantis African Mantis
Scientific Name Miomantis caffra Sphodromantis viridis
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Mantidae Mantidae
Size 30-50mm 60-80 mm
Habitat Heathland Underground
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Africa, Oceania Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Springbok Mantis

A small bright green mantis native to southern Africa that has become invasive in New Zealand. Females are notorious for always cannibalizing males during mating. Males approach females with extreme caution.

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Did You Know?

Female sexual cannibalism is nearly universal in this species, with males being eaten during mating over 60% of the time.

African Mantis

A large, powerful mantis that occurs in green or brown color forms. It is one of the most commonly kept pet mantis species due to its hardy nature.

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Did You Know?

African mantises can rotate their heads 180 degrees, giving them a near-complete field of view without moving their bodies.