Head to head
Spiny Flower Mantis vs Devil's Flower Mantis
The spiny flower mantis and devil's flower mantis are both African flower mantises that rely on floral disguise, but they differ enormously in scale, and their startle displays reveal very different hidden surprises when a predator gets too close.
| Spiny Flower Mantis | Devil's Flower Mantis | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii | Idolomantis diabolica |
| Size | A relatively small, modestly sized mantis | One of the largest mantis species, females reaching 12 to 13 cm |
| Defensive display | Flashes a bold eyespot pattern on the wings | Rears back revealing red, white, and blue-purple patches |
| Nymph camouflage | Nymphs resemble pale flowers | Not a defining trait at the nymph stage |
| Keeping difficulty | Considered manageable for most keepers | Considered an advanced species, needing flying insects |
| Native range | Savanna and forest habitat across southern Africa | Dry bushland and savanna across eastern Africa |
| Diet | Carnivore, catching small flying insects | Carnivore, taking relatively large flying prey such as moths and butterflies |
| Conservation status | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
Spiny Flower Mantis vs Devil's Flower Mantis: common questions
Which is bigger, the spiny flower mantis or the devil's flower mantis?
The devil's flower mantis, by a wide margin; it is one of the largest mantis species in the world, with females reaching around 12 to 13 centimetres, while the spiny flower mantis stays considerably smaller and more modestly sized.
How do the spiny flower mantis and devil's flower mantis defend themselves differently?
The spiny flower mantis flashes a bold eyespot pattern on its wings to startle predators, while the devil's flower mantis instead rears back and spreads its legs to reveal vivid, normally hidden patches of red, white, and blue-purple, transforming into a far more monstrous-looking shape.
Which flower mantis is harder to keep, the spiny flower mantis or the devil's flower mantis?
The devil's flower mantis, which is considered an advanced species requiring warmth, space, low humidity, and a steady supply of flying insects, while the spiny flower mantis is generally considered more manageable for mantis keepers.