Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

New Zealand praying mantis

Orthodera novaezealandiae (Colenso)


Order: Mantodea
Family: Mantidae

Size range

  • Length 30–40 mm including wings

Distribution

  • New Zealand native

Life History

  • Predacious, catches insects
  • Distinctive bright blue patch inside front leg
  • Usually sits on top of leaves
  • Egg case brown, compact

Additional images