Orthodera novaezealandiae
It is an endemic species that is in decline and an iconic species that fascinates many people.
The New Zealand mantis is a species that is one of the few mantises that doesn’t commonly perform sexual cannibalism with males often able to reproduce multiple times. They have a cyclopean ear under their body which is an ancient trait developed due to predation from bats. They are found in gardens, low-density scrub and wetlands. They are also the ariā of the atua Te-ihi-o-te-rangi/ra and they are part of the tohu where if a mantis or stick insect lands on a person it is a sign of pregnancy with the type of insect a sign of which gender the baby will be.
The New Zealand praying mantis is a medium sized insect, usually a bright apple green in colour, although some variation in colour do occur. They have large bulging eyes, set in a triangular face, which they often move side to side when tracking their prey. They have a characteristic blueish spot on the inside of their front legs. These large and powerful front legs are held up together in front of their body, appearing as if they are praying. When unsuspecting prey comes nearby, the front legs strike out in a quick grabbing motion. Dinner is caught.
Their eggs are laid in two neat rows, covered in a foamy egg case called an ootheca. The foamy substance hardens overtime, protecting the eggs inside. These oothecae are laid on the surface of branches and tree trunks, but also on the sides of fences and houses.
Praying mantis are renowned for their sexual cannibalism, whereby the females eat males during mating (or even before they get a chance to try!). However, the New Zealand praying mantis is rarely cannibalistic, preferring to snack on flies rather than the males of the species.
Check these links for more info on the Praying Mantis in NZ
Wikipedia: Information on Orthodera novaezealandiae
Forest and Bird: Springbok Invasion
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