Insects of Spain

Iris oratoria – Mediterranean Mantis – Mantis mediterránea

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Iris oratoria - Mediterranean Mantis - Mantis mediterránea

Iris oratoria, commonly known as the Mediterranean mantis, is a species of mantis that is native to lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. While originally from this area, its range has been expanding to include the Middle East, Western Asia, and even the United States. One distinguishing feature of the Mediterranean Mantis is the red-orange spot … Read more

African Mantis – Sphodromantis viridis – Mantis africana

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African Mantis - Sphodromantis viridis - Mantis africana
  • Family: Mantidae
  • Scientific: Sphodromantis viridis (Forskal, 1775)
  • English: African mantis
  • Spanish: Mantis africana
The African Mantis - Sphodromantis viridis - Mantis africana has a very similar lifecycle as the common Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa).
Note the white spot on the wing that the praying mantis does not haveBoth can be easily recognised in the adult stage as they have a white spot on the wing.

The African Mantis – Sphodromantis viridis – Mantis africana can be either green or brown despite its scientific name (viridis meaning green). The female can grow to 8cm while the male is smaller.

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