Springbok Mantis vs Australian Paper Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Springbok Mantis | Australian Paper Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Miomantis caffra | Polistes humilis |
| Order | Mantodea | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Mantidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 30-50mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Gardens |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Africa, Oceania | Australia, Oceania |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Female sexual cannibalism is nearly universal in this species, with males being eaten during mating over 60% of the time.
Australian Paper Wasp
A common Australian paper wasp that builds small, open-celled papery nests under eaves, in shrubs, and other sheltered locations. It is a beneficial predator of caterpillars and other garden pests.
Did You Know?
Paper wasps chew wood fibres mixed with saliva to create their distinctive papery nests, a form of natural paper-making.