Thick-headed Fly vs Giant Rainforest Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Thick-headed Fly | Giant Rainforest Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Physocephala rufipes | Hierodula majuscula |
| Order | Diptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Conopidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 65-80mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Thick-headed Fly
A wasp-mimicking fly that parasitizes bumblebees by injecting eggs into them mid-flight.
Did You Know?
Infected bumblebees bury themselves in soil where the fly larva pupates.
Giant Rainforest Mantis
One of Australia's largest mantises with a green body and reddish inner forelegs. It has distinctive blue-purple patches on the inside of its forelegs used in threat displays. It is a powerful ambush predator.
Did You Know?
It has been filmed catching and eating small tree frogs, demonstrating its power as a predator.