Firethorn Leaf Miner vs New Zealand Praying Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Firethorn Leaf Miner | New Zealand Praying Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phyllonorycter leucographella | Orthodera novaezealandiae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Gracillariidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 7-8 mm wingspan | 35-45 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southern Europe, spreading north | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Firethorn Leaf Miner
A tiny moth whose larvae create blister mines on pyracantha leaves. Originally from southern Europe, it has spread rapidly northward. Mines cause silvery blotches on leaves.
Did You Know?
First recorded in Britain in 1989 and spread across the country within a decade on planted pyracantha hedges.
New Zealand Praying Mantis
New Zealand's only native praying mantis, a small bright green species found throughout the country. It is now threatened by competition from the larger introduced South African mantis. Females are larger than males and occasionally cannibalize them after mating.
Did You Know?
The native New Zealand mantis is being outcompeted by the introduced South African mantis, which arrived around 1978 and is now more common in many areas.