Purple-winged Mantid Click to enlarge image
Tenodera australasiae (Leach, 1814) Purple-winged Mantid Image: Lisa Cortes
© 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.