Purple-winged Mantid
Scientific name: Tenodera australasiae
Click to enlarge image
Tenodera australasiae (Leach, 1814)
Purple-winged Mantid
Image: Lisa Cortes
© CC BY-SA
© CC BY-SA
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Tenodera
- Species
- australasiae
- Family
- Mantidae
- Order
- Mantodea
- Class
- Insecta
- Subphylum
- Uniramia
- Phylum
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 8 cm - 9 cm
Introduction
The Purple-winged Mantid is commonly seen in Sydney gardens.
Identification
Praying mantids are easily distinguished because of their long body, triangular head and 'praying' stance with their forelegs together.
Habitat
The Purple-winged Mantid lives in urban areas.
Distribution
The Purple-winged Mantid is found throughout Australia.
Feeding and diet
Relying on its excellent camouflage, the Purple-winged Mantid waits among native flowering plants ready to pounce on their prey. All praying mantids are carnivorous and this species feeds primarily on bees and flies. It uses its powerful, grasping forelegs armed with spines to pierce its prey.
