Sphodromantis viridis (Sphodromantis viridis)

Appearance▲ Back to top

Despite its scientific name this insect ranges in color from bright green to dull brown. Females can reach 10 centimetres in length. Due to the sexual dimorphism typical of mantises, the male is much smaller. Females may also be distinguished from males as they have six segmented abdomens compared to an eight segmented abdomens of the males.

As adults, both sexes have a distinctive white spot on their wings. They have a yellowish color on their inner foreleg distinguishable from the black eyespot and white dots of the European mantis ''Mantis religiosa'' with whom it shares some range.

Naming▲ Back to top

''Sphodromantis viridis'' is popularly called the African mantis, but that common name is shared with not only other species in its genus , but also
''Miomantis caffra'' and others as well.

Reproduction▲ Back to top

As with most mantis species, ''S. viridis'' males are frequently the victims of sexual cannibalism. Female produce an ootheca within a few days of mating and can produce several before she ends her life cycle. Each ootheca produces up to three hundred nymphs when it hatches. This species has also been noted to have produced parthenogenically.