Wandering Violin Mantis vs Garden Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wandering Violin Mantis | Garden Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gongylus gongyloides | Orthodera ministralis |
| Order | Mantodea | Mantodea |
| Family | Empusidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 60-90 mm | 35-50 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Gardens |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Asia | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Wandering Violin Mantis
An extremely bizarre-looking mantis with an elongated thorax, leaf-like appendages, and a violin-shaped body. It is one of the most unusual mantis species in the world.
Did You Know?
The wandering violin mantis is one of the only mantis species known to actively attract prey by waving its leaf-like body parts to mimic wind-blown vegetation.
Garden Mantis
A small to medium-sized bright green praying mantis commonly found in Australian gardens. It has distinctive blue-purple spots on the inner surfaces of its forelegs, displayed when threatened.
Did You Know?
The blue spots on its forearms are thought to startle predators and are unique among Australian mantis species.