New Zealand praying mantis
![](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0006/2859/varieties/thumb200.jpg)
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