Woodland Grasshopper vs Gladiator Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Woodland Grasshopper Gladiator Bug
Scientific Name Omocestus rufipes Mantophasma zephyra
Order Orthoptera Mantophasmatodea
Family Acrididae Mantophasmatidae
Size 13-22mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Europe Africa
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Woodland Grasshopper

A small dark grasshopper with a distinctive red-tipped abdomen in both sexes. Found in warm sheltered spots.

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Did You Know?

Identified by its red-tipped abdomen which is visible even when the grasshopper is hopping away from you.

Gladiator Bug

One of the first species described in the newest insect order Mantophasmatodea, erected in 2002. A small wingless predator also called a heelwalker for its distinctive gait.

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Did You Know?

This species belongs to the insect order Mantophasmatodea, described in 2002 — the first new insect order to be discovered in nearly 90 years.