Springbok Mantis vs African Predatory Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Springbok Mantis African Predatory Lacewing
Scientific Name Miomantis caffra Chrysopa pudica
Order Mantodea Neuroptera
Family Mantidae Chrysopidae
Size 30-50mm 16-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Africa, Oceania West Africa, Central Africa, East 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 Predatory Lacewing

A robust lacewing found across tropical Africa in forested and cultivated areas. Adults and larvae both contribute to pest suppression.

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Did You Know?

It is frequently collected in cocoa agroforestry systems where it helps control cocoa mirids.